Man Utd learn final decision on Carabao Cup replay vs Grimsby after rule break

Grimsby were fined £20,000 by the EFL after it was revealed they fielded an ineligible player in their penalty shootout victory over Manchester United

The EFL have confirmed Grimsby Town will face Sheffield Wednesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, September 16 – after Manchester United elected NOT to appeal against the Mariners punishment for fielding an ineligible player.

United were dramatically dumped out of the competition last Wednesday after a penalty shootout defeat to the League Two side, following a thrilling 2-2 draw at Blundell Park. Grimsby raced into a 2-0 lead before Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire struck back for the Reds, forcing the tie to penalties. In a nail-biting finish, Grimsby held their nerve to triumph 12-11 from the spot. United’s £71m new boy Mbeumo missed the crucial 26th penalty to send the underdogs through to the next stage.

Controversy arose on Tuesday morning when it was revealed that the EFL had slapped Grimsby with a £20,000 fine for fielding an ineligible player during the match. Clarke Oduor, ironically the only Mariner to miss his penalty, was not properly registered for the contest. Grimsby had missed the window to register Oduor by a minute, and duly self-reported themselves, admitting a clerical error by the club.

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Following Grimsby’s punishment from the EFL, the club released a statement: “Grimsby Town Football Club acknowledges today’s decision by the EFL regarding an error in the registration of Clarke Oduor ahead of our Carabao Cup Round Two fixture against Manchester United,” the announcement began.

Oduor’s registration was lodged with the EFL one minute beyond the deadline and the problem wasn’t spotted straight away by the club due to a technical issue being encountered at Grimsby.

“We accept the fine imposed and fully recognise the importance of adhering to competition rules and regulations. This mistake was not deliberate – and the club acted transparently by self-reporting that breach as soon as it came to light.

“Since this incident, we have undertaken a thorough review of our processes and implemented strengthened measures to ensure it cannot happen again. We thank the EFL board for recognising our co-operation and intent, and we remain fully committed to maintaining the highest professional and regulatory standards.

“The club won’t make any further comment on the matter and now looks forward to focusing on preparations for our upcoming fixtures.”

Grimsby are duly required to pay half of the fine immediately, with the remaining £10,000 suspended until the end of the season. The EFL, not as severe as the FA in such issues, have not considered a replay or indeed an expulsion.

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