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Swindon Charged Over Ineligible Players in EFL Trophy, Face Possible Expulsion

Officials cite selection of a suspended captain alongside a substitute not on the team sheet.

Overview

  • The EFL charged Swindon Town with two breaches after a 2-1 win at Luton in the round of 16, with removal from the competition listed among potential sanctions.
  • An independent Disciplinary Commission will decide the outcome, and the quarter-final draw will provisionally include both Swindon and Luton until a ruling.
  • Captain Ollie Clarke played 77 minutes despite serving a seven-game FA suspension, with Swindon saying the FA disciplinary portal did not list the fixture and that competition rules suggested eligibility.
  • The second charge concerns striker Aaron Drinan entering as a substitute despite not being on the official team sheet, which led to a stoppage as staff acknowledged an administrative error.
  • Clarke’s suspension followed an Independent Regulatory Commission finding over “highly invasive” misconduct in an August match against Cardiff, which also carried a £2,750 fine after his claim of unintentional actions was rejected.