Grimsby Town have been handed a financial penalty for fielding an ineligible player during their stunning Carabao Cup triumph over Manchester United. Ruben Amorim's team suffered a 12-11 penalty shootout defeat at Blundell Park as Bryan Mbeumo fluffed the crucial spot-kick following a 2-2 stalemate.
The Lincolnshire club have received a punishment after registering Clarke Oduor just one minute beyond the EFL's mandatory deadline. Grimsby subsequently reported the clerical mistake, prompting the EFL board to initiate an inquiry. The EFL have penalised the Mariners and issued a statement confirming their rule violation.
Speculation has emerged over whether Dave Artell's team should be expelled from the tournament for the infringement, given that FA Cup precedents have witnessed clubs ejected from the competition.
Barnsley were removed from the FA Cup in 2023 following their use of an ineligible player during their first round replay victory against Horsham.
However, the crucial detail is that the matter is now resolved, and Grimsby's progression to the third round appears to have been ratified - meaning United will NOT get a replay.
An EFL statement declared: "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 the issuing of a fine followed precedent."
It bears mentioning that the FA and EFL operate under different regulations regarding this issue, with the FA evidently treating the matter more severely. At this stage, it remains unclear whether United will seek further clarity or appeal the decision made by the EFL.
Amorim's team found themselves two goals down at half-time due to blunders from Andre Onana, but Mbeumo and Harry Maguire managed to equalise.
The match then went directly to a penalty shootout, where United were ultimately eliminated after the ex-Brentford player, Mbeumo, blasted his shot off the bar, securing Grimsby's advancement to the third round.