Swindon Town charged for fielding ineligible players in EFL Trophy game
Club faces disciplinary action after rules breach during Round of 16 tie
Last updated 16th Jan 2026
Swindon Town Football Club has been charged by the EFL with two alleged breaches of regulations following their Round of 16 match against Luton Town in the Vertu Trophy.
The charges relate to the club fielding two ineligible players during the fixture on 13th January 2026, which Swindon Town won 2-1.
Midfielder Oliver Clarke, who is serving a seven-game suspension from the Football Association, was included in the lineup.
Additionally, Aaron Drinan participated in the match's second half despite not being listed on the official team sheet.
These matters are set to be reviewed by an independent disciplinary commission.
Sanctions could involve Swindon Town's removal from this season's competition, which may result in Luton Town being reinstated.
For this reason, the Vertu Trophy Quarter-Final draw on 17th January 2026 will include both clubs until a decision is reached.
Swindon Town's response
In a statement, the club said: "Swindon Town Football Club acknowledges the charges brought by the Football Association and the English Football League following our Vertu Trophy fixture against Luton Town Football Club on Tuesday 13 January 2026.
"The matters relate to allegations that the Club permitted Ollie Clarke to participate in the fixture while he was serving a suspension, that the player failed to comply with that suspension, and that an additional player, Aaron Drinan, participated in the match having not been named on the official team sheet.
"The Club is currently reviewing these matters in full and is working closely with the Football Association, the EFL, and all relevant governing bodies.
"In respect of Ollie Clarke, the Club maintains that the appropriate protocols and governance procedures regarding player suspensions were followed and that both the Club and the player complied with the terms of the suspension as notified to them by The FA at all times. Ollie Clarke will complete his suspension as notified and will not be available for the forthcoming fixtures against Salford City (League Two and FA Cup) and Bromley (League Two).
"In relation to the matter concerning Aaron Drinan, the Club acknowledges that his name was inadvertently omitted from the official team sheet. This was a clerical error in the completion of match documentation. The Club wishes to make clear that there was no intention to mislead, deceive, or gain any sporting or competitive advantage. Aaron Drinan was, at all times, a fully registered and otherwise eligible player to participate in the fixture.
"Swindon Town Football Club takes its regulatory responsibilities seriously and regrets this error. The Club has reviewed its internal matchday processes and documentation procedures to ensure that additional safeguards are in place to prevent a recurrence.
"Swindon Town Football Club and Ollie Clarke will submit responses to the respective charges within the required timeframe. As these matters are subject to ongoing disciplinary processes, the Club will not be making any further comment at this stage."