MANCHESTER UNITED will NOT be reinstated into the Carabao Cup despite Grimsby fielding an ineligible player.
The Red Devils suffered an embarrassing defeat to the League Two side last Wednesday.
After 90 minutes, the score was level at 2-2 and penalties decided it at Blundell Park.
Grimsby ended up winning a thrilling shootout 12-11 to dump Man Utd out of the cup in spectacular fashion.
But huge controversy has followed as Mariners star Clarke Oduor played despite being ineligible for the match.
He came on as a substitute and took a penalty in the shootout, with him the only Grimsby player to miss.
Why was Clarke Oduor not allowed to feature?
Oduor, 26, joined Grimsby on a season-long loan from Bradford City on August 26.
Just 24 hours later he made his debut for his new club against Man Utd, coming on as a 73rd minute sub.
But Oduor should not have been playing as the midfielder was registered to play one minute AFTER the EFL‘s 12pm deadline the day before the game.
His ineligibility was not immediately identified by the Grimsby due to a “computer problem” they experienced.
The club then self-reported the error to the EFL.
Why have Man Utd not been reinstated into the Carabao Cup?
Grimsby have NOT been booted out the competition and therefore Man Utd are not taking their place.
As punishment, the EFL have instead fined Grimsby £20,000 – and £10,000 of which is suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season.
A “comprehensive review of all the evidence and consideration of prior decisions” helped EFL chiefs make their decision.
However, had this rule breach occurred in the FA Cup, Grimsby would have been booted out of the tournament and United could have replaced them.
Barnsley were removed from the competition in 2023 for fielding an ineligible player against Horsham, with the non-league side then reinstated.
And in a more recent example, Guernsey have been kicked out this season’s FA Cup for playing an ineligible player against Bedfont in the extra preliminary round.
How have Grimsby and Man Utd reacted?
A Grimsby statement on the decision read: “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 EFL added: “The Board further noted the club’s non-compliance was not deliberate with no intention to deceive or mislead.
“The club has since implemented several actions to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
“The club will be liable for the suspended sum of £10,000, if they were to again field an ineligible player in any League Competition between now and the end of Season 2025/26.”
Man Utd declined to comment when contacted by SunSport – they can appeal the decision.
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