On Tuesday, the English Football League (EFL) announced that Grimsby had been handed a £20,000 fine for breaching competition rules in their dramatic penalty shoot-out win over United on August 27. ..Continue Reading
The controversy centers around Clarke Oduor, who joined Grimsby on loan from Bradford City just a day before the match.
He was brought on in the 73rd minute, but it was later revealed that his registration had been submitted one minute and 59 seconds past the official 12:00 BST deadline — rendering him ineligible to play.
In a statement, Grimsby have since confirmed that they reported the breach themselves. “We accept the fine imposed and fully recognise the importance of adhering to competition rules and regulations,” a statement from the club read.
“This mistake was not deliberate, and the club acted transparently by self-reporting the breach as soon as it came to light.”
Under EFL rules, Manchester United were given a five-day window to determine whether they would challenge the ruling.
However, a report published by the Mail on Monday afternoon indicates that the club has opted against pursuing an appeal.
This development follows growing calls from supporters urging a rematch. Popular YouTuber and devoted United fan Mark Goldbridge also weighed in with his opinion on the situation.
“Surprising United aren’t appealing that Grimsby illegal player thing,” he said on X, formerly Twitter. “Morally yeah, it’s a big low but we’re broke. Being back in that tournament could be worth millions.”
“If shoe was on the other foot the media would be going mad that we should be booted out,” he added.
EFL statement on ineligible Grimsby player in full: “The EFL Board, acting as the Management Committee of the Carabao Cup, has today fined Grimsby Town Football Club £20,000 – of which £10,000 will be suspended until the end of Season 2025/26 – for having breached the Rules of the competition.
“The breach relates to the Club fielding an ineligible player against Manchester United in a Round Two tie on 27 August 2025. Grimsby Town progressed to Round Three following a 12-11 penalty shoot-out win at Blundell Park.
“The circumstances leading to this transgression are that Grimsby Town submitted the registration of Clarke Oduor at 12:01 pm on the day before the fixture i.e. shortly after the 12:00 pm deadline required in accordance with the 2025/26 competition rules.
“The Club self-reported the breach upon discovery the day after the fixture had been completed.
“Following a comprehensive review of all the evidence and considering prior decisions taken in respect of offences in the League Cup, the Board determined that the issuing of a fine followed precedent.
“The Board further noted the Club’s non-compliance was not deliberate with no intention to deceive or mislead. The Club has since implemented several actions to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
“The Club will be liable for the suspended sum of £10,000, if they were to again field an ineligible player in any League Competition between now and the end of Season 2025/26.”
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