League Two side Grimsby Town have been fined £20,000 (KSh3.4 million) for fielding an ineligible player, Kenyan international Clarke Oduor, during their historic Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United. However, their giant-killing result will stand.
The English Football League (EFL) announced the sanction after Grimsby self-reported an administrative error concerning the registration of the Kenyan international. The club submitted the necessary paperwork for the new signing at 12:01 PM on August 26th, just one minute after the competition’s strict noon deadline.
Oduor came on as a second-half substitute in the thrilling Round Two tie held at Blundell Park. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, with Grimsby famously winning 12-11 in a nail-biting penalty shootout to progress to the next round.
The club discovered the error the day after the monumental victory and immediately notified the EFL. In its ruling, the Board noted that the breach was “not deliberate, with no intention to deceive or mislead,” attributing it to an unfortunate administrative oversight.
Following precedent set by similar cases, the EFL issued a £20,000 fine, with half (£10,000) suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season. This suspended portion will become payable only if Grimsby fields another ineligible player in any EFL competition before that time.
The decision ensures that the Mariners’ legendary victory remains intact, preserving a famous chapter in the club’s history while serving as a costly reminder of the strict protocols governing the professional game.
Who is Clarke Oduor?
Born in Yala, Siaya County, the 26-year-old versatile Kenyan can play left-back, wingback or as an attacking midfielder.
He started out at Leeds United academy and made his professional debut on January 6, 2019. On August 31, 2019, Oduor joined Barnsley on a four-year deal where he scored a 91st minute goal against Brentford to keep Barnsley in the Championship.
He later signed for Hartlepool United on loan on September 1, 2022, before moving permanently to EFL League Two side Bradford City.
On August 26, 2025, Oduor signed for Grimsby Town on a season-long loan from Bradford City.
Being eligible to play for both the Kenyan national team and the England national team, Oduor opted for the former, making his debut in a 2-1 friendly win over Zambia on October 9, 2020.
