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Premier League punishes under-strength Wolves

Wolves' starting XI set a dangerous precedent at Old Trafford © Getty Images

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Wolves have been handed a suspended £25,000 fine after the Premier League decided the team fielded against Manchester United earlier this season was in breach of rules.

Wolves changed all ten outfield players in the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford on December 15 and Arsene Wenger was among those to criticise Mick McCarthy over the decision. Wolves made detailed representation to the Premier League at a hearing and cited the top-flight experience of the match-day squad, but it was deemed the club had breached Rules E.20 and B.13 by failing to field a full-strength team.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey told the club's official website: "We are obviously disappointed but we respect the Premier League's ruling, especially as they have now used our case as a clear warning to all other clubs, some of whom have made similar changes to their teams in Premier League matches in the past, that this is not acceptable in the future.

"We made a detailed representation to the Premier League and pointed to those precedents involving other clubs in previous seasons. This ruling may now lead to a wider discussion regarding the issue of squad rotation and the Premier League's rules. We look forward to fully participating in any such debate at future Premier League meetings.

"One thing that has never been in question is the integrity of our first-team manager, Mick McCarthy. He picked a team that, in his view, was in the best possible position to get a result in that particular game. He made it unselfishly and with the best interests of Wolves in mind. Today's announcement means we can draw a line under the issue and concentrate fully on the remaining Premier League games."

McCarthy added: "I accept the Premier League's decision. It was never my intention to break any of the Premier League's rules, only to pick a team that was in the best position to get a result. I'm pleased the matter is now closed."

Rule E.20 states that clubs must field full-strength sides in every match, while B.13 states that each club must act in good faith towards one another.

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