Portsmouth Women removed from Women's FA Cup for fielding ineligible player in second round tie with Cheltenham Ladies
Pompey Women have been kicked out of the Women's FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player.
Jay Sadler’s side have been removed from the competition for playing an ineligible squad member in Sunday's 2-0 second-round victory after extra-time against Cheltenham Ladies.
The tie has now been awarded to Cheltenham, who will now host Gillingham Ladies this weekend instead of Pompey.
It deals a massive blow to the Blues, who were just a win away from setting up a fourth round meeting with Super League giants Arsenal Women.
No further action will be taken against Pompey Women other than their Women’s FA Cup removal.
An FA statement read: ‘The Football Association can confirm that Portsmouth Women have been removed from this season’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup following the fielding of an ineligible player during their second round tie against Cheltenham Town Ladies on Sunday 4 April.
‘As a result, the tie has been awarded to Cheltenham Town and no further action will be taken against Portsmouth.’