Grimsby Town have been fined £20,000 by the English Football League (EFL) for fielding an ineligible player during their Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United on 26 February. The League Two club self-reported the breach after discovering that Clarke Oduor's registration was submitted one minute and 59 seconds after the 12pm deadline.
Oduor, a Kenya defender on loan from Bradford City, was introduced as a 73rd-minute substitute in the tie, which Grimsby won 12-11 on penalties after Manchester United had come from 2-0 down. The EFL opted to impose a financial penalty rather than expel Grimsby from the competition or order a replay.
Half of the fine has been suspended, meaning Grimsby will not have to pay £10,000 unless they field another ineligible player in any EFL competition this season. Manchester United have until Monday to appeal the decision, but the club has declined to comment.
Grimsby accepted the punishment, blaming a computer error for the delay and stressing it was an honest mistake. The club said it has reviewed its procedures and introduced strengthened measures to prevent a recurrence. Grimsby face Sheffield Wednesday in the third round later this month.
