diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/microchip/lan743x_main.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/microchip/lan743x_main.c
index c81cdeb4d4e7e..f940895b14e8b 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/microchip/lan743x_main.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/microchip/lan743x_main.c
@@ -1466,9 +1466,15 @@ static void lan743x_phy_link_status_change(struct net_device *netdev)
 static void lan743x_phy_close(struct lan743x_adapter *adapter)
 {
 	struct net_device *netdev = adapter->netdev;
+	struct phy_device *phydev = netdev->phydev;
 
 	phy_stop(netdev->phydev);
 	phy_disconnect(netdev->phydev);
+
+	/* using phydev here as phy_disconnect NULLs netdev->phydev */
+	if (phy_is_pseudo_fixed_link(phydev))
+		fixed_phy_unregister(phydev);
+
 }
 
 static void lan743x_phy_interface_select(struct lan743x_adapter *adapter)