Crossword Genius

Player invited to compete, though not formally qualifying (4,4)

Ross

I think it could be either:

Which length description are you looking for?:

8

4,4

wild card

(Other definitions for wild card that I've seen before include "Unqualified competitor given discretionary entry (often the joker!)" , "can be a match for any character" , "Joker say" , "non-qualifier invited to compete" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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