Grimsby Town’s fairytale Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United has been overshadowed by disciplinary action after the English Football League (EFL) fined the League Two side £20,000 (Ksh3.5 million) for fielding Kenyan international Clarke Oduor while he was ineligible.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the EFL Board confirmed that Grimsby had registered Oduor one minute late, breaching competition rules that require all registrations to be completed by 12:00 pm on the day before the fixture.
Of the fine, £10,000 (Ksh1.75 million) will be suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season, but the club risks paying the suspended sum if it again fields an ineligible player in any league competition before the campaign ends.
“The EFL Board, acting as the Management Committee of the Carabao Cup, has today fined Grimsby Town Football Club £20,000 – of which £10,000 will be suspended until the end of Season 2025/26 – for having breached the rules of the competition,” the statement read.
How the Error Happened
The EFL explained that Grimsby submitted Oduor’s registration at 12:01 pm, narrowly missing the deadline. The breach was self-reported by the club the following day.
Despite speculation that the game could be replayed or Grimsby disqualified, the EFL opted for a fine, noting similar precedents in previous cases.
“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 EFL added.
Manchester United Reaction
According to Daily Mail Sport, Manchester United declined to escalate the matter despite calls from sections of their fanbase to demand a replay or disqualification.
The match, played on Thursday, August 28, 2025, ended dramatically with Grimsby knocking United out 12-11 on penalties after the Premier League side had clawed back a two-goal deficit.
Clarke Oduor’s Journey
Kenyan-born Oduor, who moved to the UK at a young age, joined Leeds United’s academy at 10 and made his professional debut in 2019. He is currently on loan at Grimsby from Bradford City.
Oduor came off the bench in the 73rd minute against Manchester United, missing his spot-kick in the shootout but still playing a part in one of Grimsby’s greatest nights.
The 25-year-old is among a new generation of Kenyan footballers making waves in Europe, alongside Aldrine Kibet, who recently signed for Celta Vigo in Spain.
What’s Next for Grimsby
The Mariners progress to Round Three of the Carabao Cup but will now carry the weight of the fine as they balance league ambitions with cup dreams
