The Football Association is investigating whether Aston Villa breached competition rules by fielding an ineligible player in the Women’s League Cup.

Noelle Maritz came on at half-time in Villa’s 7-0 thrashing of Sunderland on Wednesday with her side leading 3-0.

Maritz had made three appearances for Arsenal earlier in the competition before joining Villa in January.

The FA has referred the matter to an independent tribunal for consideration.

Villa are being investigating for “an alleged breach of Cup Rule 8.19”.

Villa’s win meant they topped Group A, ahead of Sunderland in second, and qualified for the quarter-finals, but their fate now depends on the decision of the tribunal.

In a similar case, Reading were removed from the 2014 League Cup and fined £50 after fielding Bonnie Horwood who had made three appearances for Watford earlier in the competition.

The five League Cup group winners progress to the knockout stage, alongside the best two second-placed sides, decided on a points-per-game basis.

Manchester United finished second in Group D, and their 2.25 points per game should qualify them for the knockout stage, only bettered by Tottenham’s 2.5 after they beat Southampton on Thursday.

However, should the result be awarded to Sunderland – and Villa not receive a harsher punishment – then Villa will be level on points-per-game with United but have a better goal difference, while Sunderland would win Group A.