Swindon Town has been expelled from the Vertu Trophy after breaching English Football League regulations. An Independent Disciplinary Commission determined the club fielded two ineligible players in their 2-1 victory over Luton Town in the Round of 16 tie on 13 January 2026.
The breaches involved midfielder Oliver Clarke, who was serving a seven-game Football Association suspension at the time of the match. Additionally, forward Aaron Drinan played in the second half but was not named on the official team sheet.
As a direct consequence of the decision, Luton Town will now progress to the quarter-finals of the competition. Luton will host fellow League One side Plymouth Argyle in the next round, with the date for this fixture to be confirmed. Swindon also received a £40,000 fine from the EFL, with half of this amount, £20,000, suspended. This suspended fine will become payable if the club fields an ineligible player again before the end of the 2026/27 season.
