Women's League Cup Draw Under Scrutiny as Footage Request Highlights Procedure Concerns
Footage from the Women's League Cup draw is being sought as questions arise over the draw procedure; WSL Football apologizes for a broadcast remark while clubs press for video to ensure transparency.
The Women's League Cup draw has come under scrutiny after questions about how the draw was conducted.
The event was streamed on WSL Football's TikTok channel and conducted by influencer GK Barry and Portsmouth midfielder Ella Rutherford, prompting questions about transparency when a ball appears to be replaced before being drawn again.
What happened during the draw
The live draw on TikTok saw a ball pulled from the bag, then seemingly returned before being drawn again, triggering questions about whether the final selections were made fairly.
An adjudicator noted that the ball showing a home team for the first semi-final was the same number as the ball first drawn, raising concerns about consistency in the process.
WSL Football said that, had the numbers not matched, the draw would have been restarted to preserve integrity.
Footage requests and access
One club requested access to the footage, but the video is not currently available to watch on social media or WSL Football's official YouTube channel, fueling transparency questions.
Apology over broadcaster remark
WSL Football apologised to Tottenham Hotspur after GK Barry made a remark during the broadcast that referenced an anti-Spurs chant, acknowledging it was inappropriate for a professional event.
Schedule
The quarter-finals are scheduled for the weekend of 19–21 December, with the semi-finals set for 21–22 January.
Full quarter-final draw
- Liverpool v Chelsea
- Crystal Palace v Arsenal
- Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
- West Ham United v Manchester City
Potential semi-final ties
- Crystal Palace/Arsenal vs Manchester United/Tottenham Hotspur
- West Ham United/Manchester City vs Liverpool/Chelsea
Key Takeaways
- Footage requests reflect demand for transparency in the draw process.
- An adjudicator confirmed a duplicated ball number during the draw.
- Public remarks during broadcasts prompted an official apology.
- Match dates and ties are confirmed for December and January.
Expert comment
Comment from a sports governance analyst: The incident underscores the need for clear, auditable draw procedures and robust protocols to prevent any appearance of impropriety. Leagues should consider publishing full video records for future draws to boost trust.
Summary
The episode has highlighted ongoing calls for openness in football governance. While the schedule remains unchanged, clubs are pushing for access to the draw footage to verify fairness. The focus now is on ensuring transparent procedures in all official draws going forward.
Draw procedures must be transparent to preserve trust among clubs and fans. BBC Sport