But no verdict over second charge yet – meaning Plymouth Argyle still don’t know who they will be playing
Alfie Chang of Bristol Rovers battles for the ball with Ollie Clarke of Swindon Town during the Sky Bet League 2 Match between Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town at Memorial Stadium on 13 December 2025. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Plymouth Argyle’s opponents in the last eight of the Vertu Trophy remain unknown despite the first FA ruling over Swindon Town’s ineligible players in their 2-1 win over Luton Town.
The Robins won 2-1 on the night, but fielded Ollie Clarke despite the fact he should have been banned, and that Aaron Drinan came on as a second half substitute despite not being named on the teamsheet.
Now, Swindon Town have been sanctioned by the FA over Clarke’s appearance in that match. But no decision as to whether they will be kicked out of the competition or allowed to remain has yet been decided with no verdict published over Drinan’s appearance.
Clarke was the midst of a seven-game ban for committing “highly violating and intentional foul play” on two opponents’ “private body parts” in Swindon’s Carabao Cup defeat by Cardiff City in August when he featured. Swindon had said the FA disclipinary didn’t show his ban covering Vertu Trophy ties.
But an independent disciplinary committee decided to fine Swindon and extend Clarke’s ban. He had returned for Swindon’s midweek League Two defeat by Notts County but will now be banned for Saturday’s home game against Barrow.
A statement by The FA said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Swindon Town FC and Oliver Clarke following their EFL Trophy match against Luton Town FC on Tuesday 13 January.
“It was alleged that the club failed to do all things necessary to ensure the midfielder complied with an order imposed by permitting him to play in the fixture, and it was further alleged that the player failed to comply with a suspension by participating in the fixture.
“The club and player both denied the charges against them. Following a hearing, the Regulatory Commission found both charges to be proven and imposed a £1,000 fine and a warning on Swindon Town, and a one-match suspension on Oliver Clarke.
“The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”
A statement by Swindon Town said: “The Club’s legal team and representatives strongly contested the charges and presented detailed submissions at the hearing.
“We are satisfied that our position was robustly defended and that we stood up for both the Club and our player. The decision is frustrating given the strength of the submissions made on our behalf and the circumstances surrounding the case.
“We believe we took every reasonable step available to us and stood resolutely in support of our player throughout the process.
“Our priority now is to move forward together as a football club and continue focusing on matters on the pitch.”
The second charge from the same EFL Trophy game over bringing on Drinan at the start of the second half, despite him not being named on the team sheet is still being investigated.
The tie is due to be played in the week commencing February 9 – but with Argyle still not knowing how they will playing as if it a trip to Luton or Swindon, it looks increasingly likely that the quarter final may not be played that midweek and instead later in the season.
