Swindon Town kicked out of Vertu Trophy for breaking competition rules

The Robins were guilty of fielding two ineligible players – captain Ollie Clarke and top scorer Aaron Drinan – at Kenilworth Road last month, meaning the Hatters go through to the quarter-finals instead where they will face Plymouth.

Swindon were charged by both the EFL and Football Association after Clarke started the match while he was already serving a suspension, and Drinan was used as a substitute despite not appearing on the teamsheet.

Luton will now take on Plymouth Argyle at Kenilworth Road in the quarter-finals but not next Tuesday (February 10th) as originally scheduled. The EFL said the new date for the tie would be confirmed in the next 48 hours.

Cobblers are in the other southern quarter-final tie against AFC Wimbledon, although this is the final stage of the competition where it is regionalised.

Swindon have also been fined £40,000, with £20,000 of it suspended, which will be automatically payable if they field or name on a team sheet an ineligible player before the end of the 2026-27 season.

Swindon said they were ‘deeply disappointed’ with the decision, adding in a club statement: "We strongly believe this outcome is unfair and do not agree with the findings. That said, we respect the disciplinary process and the authority of the commission.

"Right now, our focus has to be on moving forward together as a football club. We will take time to reflect, learn from what has happened, and make sure we continue to meet the highest standards in everything we do.

"Above all, our priority remains with our players, staff, and supporters. We will keep backing them fully as we push on and compete with everything we have in our remaining fixtures this season."

The EFL confirmed: “An Independent Disciplinary Commission has determined that Swindon Town Football Club is to be removed from this season’s Vertu Trophy competition for breaches of EFL Regulations and EFL Trophy Rules.

“The club has also been issued with a fine of £40,000, of which £20,000 will be suspended and which will be automatically payable if the club fields or names on a team sheet an ineligible player before the end of the 2026/27 season.

“The breaches relate to the club fielding two ineligible players against Luton Town in the Vertu Trophy Round of 16 tie on 13 January 2026. Swindon Town won the game 2-1. The club played Oliver Clarke, who was serving a seven-game suspension from the Football Association. In addition, Aaron Drinan, who started the second half of the tie, was not named on the official team sheet.

“As a result of the decision, Luton Town will progress into the Vertu Trophy Quarter-Final, where they will host Plymouth Argyle. The date of the tie will be confirmed in the next 48 hours and will now not take place on Tuesday, February 10th, as originally scheduled following a request from Plymouth Argyle earlier today. The full decision and written reasons will be published on EFL.com in due course.”