Despite an undisputed victory in Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday Cork are now in danger of losing their Munster football title because of illegal use of substitutes. In the course of the 1-23 to 0-7 win over Tipperary, 21 different players were used from the Cork sideline - one more than the legal 20.

As well as using the five permitted substitutes, Cork also used a sixth player as a blood substitute. Under GAA rules, however, each team is subject to a maximum of 20 players - including the use of blood substitutes. The penalty for infringing the rule is forfeiture of the game.

Though none of the Cork management appeared aware of their error, the matter now rests with the GAA's Games Administration Committee.

According to Dan McCartan, chairman of the National Referees Administration Committee, more than 20 players can be used in only two exceptions: The goalkeeper can be replaced with a sixth player should he suffer a blood injury after the five legal substitutes are used, and an outfield player can be temporarily replaced with a sixth player again if all five legal replacements have been made and a blood injury occurs.

"Ultimately the responsibility lies with the county," explained McCartan.

"The most important element of this rule is that a team cannot use more than 20 players, unless in the specified exceptions."

Tipperary manager Tom McGlinchey said his more immediate focus was to get his team ready for next Saturday's All-Ireland qualifier with Mayo rather than get into any debate on the enforcing of rules. Yet the matter will be discussed by the Tipperary County Board and they expected to make a statement on the matter later today.

Cork manager Larry Tompkins appeared unaware of any possible infringement. It was confirmed by Cork's management, however, that five substitutions had been made in addition to the blood substitute.