EFL Makes Big Decision made on Grimsby vs Man Utd replay after Carabao Cup rule breach

Grimsby Town were punished by the EFL for fielding ineligible player Clarke Oduor in their dramatic Carabao Cup second-round win over Manchester United.

The EFL have confirmed that Grimsby Town will face Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, September 16, dashing Manchester United’s faint hopes of a potential reprieve. United were dramatically knocked out of the competition after a penalty shootout defeat to the League Two side last Wednesday evening, following an exciting 2-2 draw at full-time. Grimsby took a 2-0 lead at Blundell Park, before Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire scored for the Reds to take the match to penalties.

The Mariners held their nerve to triumph over United 12-11 from the spot – with Mbeumo missing the crucial 26th penalty to send the plucky fourth-tier team through to the next stage. However, it was revealed on Tuesday morning that the EFL had fined Grimsby £20,000 for fielding an ineligible player during the match. Clarke Oduor, who was the only Grimsby player to miss his penalty, was not registered in time for the game, with the Mariners subsequently admitting the administrative error.

They are now required to pay £10,000, with the remaining £10,000 suspended until the end of the season, with the Manchester Evening News also understanding that no replay or expulsion from the tournament is being considered.

Now, the EFL have announced fixtures for the third round of the Carabao Cup – and Grimsby are included in the schedule – extinguishing any hope that United could be given a second chance.

The Mariners are set to face Wednesday, who defeated Leeds United on penalties in the previous round, at Hillsborough Stadium on Tuesday, September 16, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

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.”

Oduor’s registration was lodged with the EFL one minute beyond the deadline and the problem wasn’t spotted straight away by the club owing to a computer malfunction being experienced 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.