Chief Executive Jez Moxey said: "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.
Wolves manager Mick 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."
The Premier said "The Premier League Board has issued Wolverhampton Wanderers FC with a suspended £25,000 fine after deciding that the team fielded in their League fixture against Manchester United on 15 December 2009 was not full strength and therefore in breach of Rule E.20. The Board also deemed that the Club had failed to fulfil its obligations to the League and other Clubs in the utmost good faith and was therefore in breach of Rule B.13. "
This is a disgraceful decision by the Premier League and I don't know why Wolves have laid down and died and accepted the decision.... maybe a £25,000 fine is betting than losing points. But there have been numerous occasions when the "Big four" have fielded weakened teams and what has happened..... NOTHING
The Premier League are simply scared of the big four and managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger and Wolves have been an easy target