Swindon Town Football Club is facing the severe prospect of being expelled from this season's EFL Trophy. The League Two side is alleged to have committed two significant breaches of competition rules by fielding players who were not eligible to participate in their recent match.
The Alleged Breaches and a Seven-Match Ban
The controversy stems from Swindon's 2-1 victory away at Luton Town on Tuesday 13 January 2026. During that Vertu Trophy quarter-final tie, the club selected captain Ollie Clarke in their starting eleven. This was despite the 33-year-old midfielder still serving a suspension.
Clarke had been handed a seven-match ban and a £2,750 fine in December 2025. This punishment came after he admitted two charges of acting in an improper manner during a Carabao Cup defeat at Cardiff City the previous August. The FA stated the charges related to alleged "highly violating and intentional foul play" towards opponents. At the time of the Luton match, Clarke had only completed four games of his seven-game suspension.
A Second Error and Potential Consequences
The club's problems were compounded by a second alleged infringement involving substitute Aaron Drinan. The 27-year-old forward was brought on at half-time, even though he had not been included on the official match day squad list submitted to EFL officials before the game.
In response, the EFL has referred the matter to an independent disciplinary commission. The governing body confirmed the potential sanctions are severe, stating the outcome "could include Swindon Town’s removal from this season’s Vertu Trophy and the reinstatement of Luton Town." Consequently, the scheduled quarter-final draw on Saturday 17 January will include both clubs pending the commission's decision.
Swindon's Response and Regret
Swindon Town has issued a statement acknowledging the charges and confirming they are reviewing the matters in full. The club stated they are "working closely with the Football Association, the EFL, and all relevant governing bodies."
Regarding Ollie Clarke's appearance, the club argued they believed he was eligible to play as the fixture was not a League Two or FA Cup match. "Both the club and the player complied with the terms of the suspension as notified to them by The FA at all times," their statement read.
However, the club admitted that Aaron Drinan's inclusion was a mistake. They described the failure to name him on the team sheet as "a clerical error," adding, "The club wishes to make clear that there was no intention to mislead, deceive, or gain any sporting or competitive advantage. Swindon Town Football Club takes its regulatory responsibilities seriously and regrets this error."
The independent commission will now determine the fate of Swindon's EFL Trophy campaign, with expulsion from the competition a very real possibility.
