Luton in Vertu Trophy draw as Swindon could be kicked out over two alleged rule breaches
Hatters reinstated in the competition until investigation is completed
Luton Town have been reinstated to the Vertu Trophy for now after Swindon Town face being kicked out of the competition having been charged two alleged breaches of EFL regulations and Trophy rules following their 2-1 victory at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday evening.
The Robins brought on top scorer Aaron Drinan as a half time substitute on the night when the scores were level at 1-1, the Robins soon going ahead through Filozofe Mabete’s close range effort. However, Drinan had not been named on the teamsheet that was submitted to the officials prior to the game, with centre half Ryan Tafazolli on there instead.
The issue was raised with the fourth official, who then informed referee Peter Wright, which saw the game stopped for around eight minutes as he discussed the matter with his assistants and both managers too. Play was eventually allowed to continue as with no further goals, it saw the visitors triumph 2-1, as speaking afterwards Luton chief Jack Wilshere expected an EFL investigation to be launched, Swindon manager Ian Holloway labelling the matter as a ‘major whoopsie’.
Also on the night, the Robins selected captain Ollie Clarke in their side, despite the midfielder currently being banned for seven games after being found guilty of committing ‘highly violating and intentional foul play’ on two opponents' ‘private body parts’ during their Carabao Cup tie with Cardiff City on August 12.
The 33-year-old, who was also fined £2,750, still has three games of his suspension remaining, but with Swindon believing it didn’t include the Vertu Trophy, named him in the starting line-up, as he completed 77 minutes, his header dropped by Town keeper Shea for the winner. With the draw for the last eight taking place tomorrow, then it will now include both Luton and Swindon, as official statement from 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.”
Although Luton have not made a response to the statement, Swindon have done so, admitting a ‘clerical error’ saw Drinan named, while they feeling they followed all the correct protocols when it came to selecting former Bristol Rovers and Mansfield player Clarke. 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.”