The English Football League (EFL) Board, acting as the Management Committee of the Carabao Cup, has fined Grimsby Town £20,000 (Ksh 3.5 million) for fielding an ineligible Kenyan player, Clarke Oduor, in their famous Carabao Cup win against Manchester United.
The board said £10,000 of the fine will be suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season for breaching competition rules.
According to the EFL, the breach related to the club fielding an ineligible player against Manchester United in a Round Two tie on August 27, 2025. Grimsby Town advanced to Round Three after a dramatic 12-11 penalty shoot-out victory at Blundell Park.
EFL Fines Grimsby Town Ksh 3.5M
Grimsby Town reportedly submitted Oduor’s registration at 12:01 p.m. on the day before the fixture—one minute after the 12:00 p.m. deadline set under the 2025/26 competition rules.
“The Club self-reported the breach upon discovery the day after the fixture had been completed,” the EFL said.
“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 issuing a fine followed precedent.”
The board further noted that the club’s non-compliance was not deliberate and that there was no intention to deceive or mislead.
Additionally, the EFL said the club would be liable for the suspended £10,000 if it fields another ineligible player in any League competition between now and the end of the 2025/26 season.
Also Read: Profile of Clarke Oduor, Harambee Stars Midfielder Who Played Against Manchester United
Grimsby Town Blames Computer Glitch for Oduor Registration Error
In response, Grimsby Town Football Club acknowledged the decision, admitting an error in Oduor’s registration ahead of the Carabao Cup Round Two fixture against Manchester United.
The club explained that Oduor’s registration was submitted one minute past the deadline and the issue was not immediately detected due to a computer problem.
“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 the breach as soon as it came to light,” the statement read.
“Since this incident, we have undertaken a thorough review of our processes and implemented strengthened measures to ensure it cannot happen again.”
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The club thanked the EFL Board for acknowledging its cooperation and intent, adding that it remains committed to upholding the highest professional and regulatory standards.
The Mariners famously knocked out the Premier League side on penalties after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time.
Oduor signed for Grimsby on loan from Bradford City the day before the match against United. He made his debut against the Premier League side and missed a penalty in the shoot-out after coming on as a substitute during the second half.
David Artell’s side will face Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday in the third round of the competition later this month.
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