Marc Guehi's FA Cup dreams are still alive thanks to a surprise rule change - despite Crystal Palace crashing out 2-1 to Macclesfield in the biggest shock in the competition's history.
The Palace captain was involved in heated discussions with fans at full time after Palace deservedly lost to opposition 117 places below them in the football pyramid in the third round tie.
His presence caused concern from fans of Guehi's suitors, such as Liverpool and Man City, over his potential availability in the competition should he move during the transfer window.
Historically, FA Cup rules prevent a player from representing more than one club in the competition. This has led to some clubs in the past leaving a player out of their squad in an attempt not to jeopardise a potential transfer.
Several fans expressed fears that Guehi would be 'cup tied' if he were to leave the Eagles, but were unaware of an amended rule introduced into the competition this year.
The previous rule simply read: 'A Player shall only play for one Club in the Competition during the same season'.
From this year's competition rules, it adds: 'save that a Player that has played for one Club in the Qualifying Competition and/or the Competition Proper may play for a maximum of one other Club in the Competition Proper (but may only play for a maximum of one Club in any given round of the Competition).'
While complicated wording, the amendment allows for players to represent more than one club in the competition, as long as it is not in the same round. This prospect is unlikely given that FA Cup replays were scrapped last year.
The rule is likely to benefit loan players, who may have featured for lower league sides in the early stages of the competition before being recalled by their parent club.
It could also benefit players like Guehi in the event a transfer occurs during January.
Daily Mail Sport reported earlier this week that Man City had increased their interest in Guehi amid their injury crisis and could look to complete a deal this month.
The England international has also been of interest to Liverpool, but appear more inclined to wait until the summer when his contract expires.
A similar rule change in the Carabao Cup will allow Antoine Semenyo to feature for Man City in the semi-finals after signing on Friday for £62.5m, despite featuring for Bournemouth earlier in the competition.
Chelsea were reportedly caught out by the change earlier this season, with the Blues asking for clarification over Marc Guiu's availability.
Guiu had featured for Sunderland in the second round before being recalled from his loan spell.
Chelsea sought clarification ahead of their third round tie against Lincoln, a match where Guiu ultimately did not feature.
The Spanish forward has since played for the Blues in the competition, featuring for 45 minutes of their quarter-final against Cardiff.
Several players have famously missed out on featuring in major finals due to the previous ‘cup-tied rule.
Jermain Defoe was ineligible to play a part in Portsmouth’s 2008 FA Cup success after featuring for Tottenham earlier in the competition, with Robbie Fowler having suffered the same fate two year’s earlier after rejoining Liverpool from Man City.
Martin Keown was cup-tied for Arsenal’s League Cup and FA Cup double in 1993 having represented Everton in both competitions prior to signing for the Gunners in February.
A bizarre scenario in 2023 saw goalkeeper Martin Dubravka miss out on featuring in the Carabao Cup final for Newcastle having represented Man United during a loan spell earlier in the competition.
Man United ultimately beat Newcastle in the final, with Dubravka receiving a medal from the Red Devils having played his part in their run.