Grimsby Town have been fined after fielding an ineligible player during their Carabao Cup second-round victory over Manchester United.
The League Two side shocked the Red Devils last week, winning 12-11 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 in regulation time.
The Mariners were subsequently drawn to face Sheffield Wednesday in the third round of the competition.
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However, on Tuesday, the English Football League (EFL) confirmed that Grimsby breached competition rules regarding player eligibility.
The club has been ordered to pay a fine of £20,000, with £10,000 suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Despite the breach, the EFL stressed that Grimsby’s historic victory over Manchester United would not be overturned. Instead, the sanction was limited to a financial penalty.
In its statement, the EFL explained: “Grimsby Town has been fined £20,000 of which £10,000 is suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season for having breached the Rules of the competition.
“The club self-reported the breach upon discovery the day after the fixture had been completed.”
The League body further clarified: “There is no suggestion that the outcome of the fixture will be amended, and Manchester United will not be reinstated in the competition.”
Grimsby officials have also reacted to the ruling, insisting that the error was unintentional. A club spokesperson said: “While we regret the oversight, we are pleased that the EFL recognised our immediate action to self-report the breach.
“We now look forward to our third-round tie against Sheffield Wednesday.”
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