Luton Town have been reinstated in the Vertu Trophy and will progress to the quarter-finals after the EFL confirmed Swindon Town have been removed from the competition for breaching tournament regulations.
The decision follows an investigation into January’s round of 16 tie at Kenilworth Road, which Swindon won 2-1, and comes after concerns were raised over the eligibility of players used by the visitors on the night.
In a statement, the Football League confirmed the outcome of an Independent Disciplinary Commission hearing.
“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 EFL said the breaches related directly to Swindon fielding two ineligible players against Luton in the round of 16 tie on 13 January.
“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 ruling, Luton are now through to the quarter-finals and will host Plymouth Argyle at Kenilworth Road.
The EFL said: “The date of the tie will be confirmed in the next 48 hours but will not take place on Tuesday 10th February 2026 as originally scheduled following a request from Plymouth Argyle earlier today [Wednesday].”
Luton said they will update supporters on the next steps in due course, with confirmation of the new quarter-final date expected shortly.
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