WSL sorry after influencer drops ball and makes lewd jokes during draw

Concerns have been raised over the professionalism and legitimacy of the Women's League Cup quarter-final and semi-final draw, which was conducted by a social media influencer.

One of the clubs involved in the draw has asked WSL Football to provide footage of Tuesday's draw, which is currently unavailable to watch on social media or WSL Football's YouTube channel.

The draw took place live on WSL Football's TikTok page and was conducted by influencer GK Barry and her partner, Portsmouth midfielder Ella Rutherford.

GK Barry made a series of lude jokes, including a comment about Tottenham.

She also pulled out a ball, dropped it back in the bag by accident, then took it out again to be used as part of the draw.

While pulling out a ball with Tottenham's name on it, Barry asked "What do we think of Tottenham?", referring to an anti-Spurs chant sometimes sung by Arsenal fans.

BBC Sport understands WSL Football has apologised to Tottenham.

The adjudicator present at the draw said the ball GK Barry pulled out at the second attempt - revealing the home side in the first semi-final - was the same as the one she dropped.

Had it not been the same number, WSL Football said the draw would have been restarted.

WSL Football told BBC Sport that because the draw carried adverts and was broadcast as a TikTok live, it is not available to watch on its YouTube channel.

The quarter-finals will be played between 19-21 December and semis on 21-22 January 2026.

Quarter-finals

Liverpool v Chelsea

Crystal Palace v Arsenal

Manchester United v Tottenham

West Ham v Manchester City

Semi-finals

Crystal Palace/Arsenal v Manchester United/Tottenham

West Ham/Manchester City v Liverpool/Chelsea