Luton Town could be reinstated to the Vertu Trophy after their controversial defeat to Swindon Town as the EFL have confirmed formal charges for the Robins over the use of two ineligible players.
The Hatters lost 2-1 on the night on Tuesday but concerns were raised during the second half about Swindon fielding Aaron Drinan as a substitute despite him not being named on the official team sheet. The game was stopped for eight minutes while officials tried to get to the bottom of what happened, but the contest eventually continued.
Town manager Jack Wilshere stated after the match that he expected the EFL to investigate, amid claims that Swindon may have fielded an ineligible player. Those concerns have now escalated into formal disciplinary proceedings including a second player, Ollie Clarke.
Swindon’s captain, who was involved in the winning goal, had already been slapped with a seven-game ban and fined £2,750, for committing “highly invasive” and “violating” acts against two Cardiff City players in their match in August. It is understood, however, that Swindon believed that ruling did not exclude him from the Vertu Trophy.
In a statement released today, the EFL said: “Swindon Town Football Club has been charged with two alleged breaches of EFL Regulations and EFL Trophy Rules.
“The charges 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.
“The two matters will now be considered by an independent Disciplinary Commission.
“As the sanction could include Swindon Town’s removal from this season’s Vertu Trophy and the reinstatement of Luton Town, the Vertu Trophy Quarter-Final draw on Saturday 17 January will include both clubs while proceedings are ongoing.”
The inclusion of both clubs in tomorrow’s quarter-final draw underlines the seriousness of the case and leaves open the possibility that Luton’s involvement in the competition may not yet be over, despite the on-pitch defeat.
Swindon have since issued a detailed response, acknowledging the charges but disputing elements of the case. In a club statement, they 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.”
For Luton, the case now rests with the Disciplinary Commission, with the possibility that their Vertu Trophy campaign could yet be revived despite defeat on the pitch.
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