CLARKE Oduor was not registered in time to play in Grimsby’s Carabao Cup giant-killing against Manchester United.
The City midfielder made his debut in last week’s second-round tie having joined the Mariners on a season-long loan.
Oduor came off the bench as a second-half substitute – and missed a penalty in the dramatic shoot-out that Grimsby would eventually win 12-11 after the game had finished in a 2-2 draw.
But it has since emerged that he was registered a minute after the midday deadline the day before the tie.
Grimsby realised their error after the game and reported it to the EFL board.
Grimsby players celebrate knocking out Manchester United _(Image: PA)_
The League Two club, who face the Bantams this evening in the Vertu Trophy, have been fined £20,000 for fielding an ineligible player – with £10,000 of that suspended. They have not been kicked out of the competition and will still travel to Sheffield Wednesday in the next round.
An EFL statement said: “Following a comprehensive review of all the evidence and considering prior decision taken in respect of offences in the League Cup, the board determined that the issuing of a fine followed precedent.
“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.”
Oduor is not allowed to play against his parent club at Valley Parade tonight.