Swindon Town charged by FA and EFL over alleged ineligible players

Swindon Town have been charged by both the Football Association and the English Football League following their Vertu Trophy victory over Luton Town on Tuesday.

The charges relate to alleged breaches during Swindon’s 2-1 win, with the EFL confirming the club fielded two players deemed ineligible.

The first matter concerns midfielder and captain Ollie Clarke, who the EFL state was serving a seven-match suspension imposed by The FA at the time of the fixture.

The second relates to forward Aaron Drinan, who featured in the second half of the match despite not being named on the official team sheet.

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Under review

In a club statement, Swindon acknowledged the charges but insisted they had complied with the information provided to them by The FA regarding Clarke’s suspension.

“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).

Clarke received the suspension and a £2,750 fine last month after admitting two FA charges of improper conduct, relating to incidents in Swindon’s Carabao Cup defeat by Cardiff City on August 12.

He committed “highly violating and intentional foul play” on two opponents’ “private body parts” during the game, according to a disciplinary report.

Clerical error

“In relation to the matter concerning Aaron Drinan, the club acknowledges that his name was inadvertently omitted from the official team sheet,” the statement added.

“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.”

In the EFL’s statement, the organisation confirmed: “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.”

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