League Two side Grimsby Town have been fined £20,000 for fielding an ineligible player during their famous Carabao Cup win over Manchester United.
Naija News reports that Grimsby Town pulled off a stunning upset, knocking the Premier League giants out on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
However, it later emerged that midfielder Clarke Oduor, who had joined on loan from Bradford City the previous day, was registered one minute and 59 seconds after the 12:00 BST deadline, rendering him technically ineligible.
The English Football League (EFL) confirmed the fine, stating that Grimsby had self-reported the breach.
“The club’s non-compliance was not deliberate with no intention to deceive or mislead,” the EFL said. Half of the fine, £10,000, must be paid immediately, while the remaining £10,000 is suspended until the end of the season.
Grimsby acknowledged the error in a statement: “The registration was submitted to the EFL at one minute past the deadline and the issue was not immediately identified by the club due to a computer problem being experienced.
“We accept the fine imposed and fully recognise the importance of adhering to competition rules. This mistake was not deliberate, and the club acted transparently by self-reporting the breach as soon as it came to light.”
The club added that it had since reviewed its processes and implemented measures to prevent a recurrence.
Manchester United are aware of the situation but have declined to comment, according to the BBC.
The EFL said its decision followed precedent, citing previous fines for Liverpool, Accrington Stanley, and Sunderland in similar cases, all of whom also won their ties despite fielding ineligible players.
Grimsby Town will now face Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in the third round later this month.
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