Guardiola Slams EFL Rule as Guéhi Is Ruled Out of Carabao Cup Final
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised the English Football League (EFL) over regulations that prevent defender Marc Guéhi from featuring in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.
Guéhi is currently ineligible for the Wembley showdown on March 22 after completing his January move from Crystal Palace following City’s semi-final first-leg victory over Newcastle.
Why Guéhi Cannot Play the Final
Under Carabao Cup rules, players must be registered before the winter transfer window closes or prior to the first leg of the semi-final — whichever comes first — to qualify for the competition.
Because Guéhi joined City after the first leg, he missed both semi-final matches and will also be unavailable for the final.
Manchester City defeated Newcastle 5-1 on aggregate to secure their place at Wembley.
Guardiola Questions the Regulation
Speaking after City’s second-leg win, Guardiola expressed frustration over the rule and confirmed the club would seek a review of Guéhi’s eligibility.
“Hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup that Marc can play the final.
I don’t understand why he cannot play. You buy a player for a lot of money and he is not able to play because of a rule I don’t understand,” Guardiola said.
Comparison With Semenyo Case
Guardiola compared Guéhi’s situation with fellow January signing Antoine Semenyo, who joined City four days before the semi-final and was eligible to play.
Semenyo went on to score in the first leg against Newcastle.
“Antoine arrived before the first game so he could play. Now it’s the final. Why should Marc not play? We pay his salary, he is our player,” Guardiola added.
Earlier Rule Changes Benefited City
The City boss also highlighted that the club had already benefited from a rule change this season that scrapped traditional cup-tying restrictions.
The amendment allowed players like Semenyo and defender Max Alleyne to feature in later rounds despite playing for other clubs earlier in the competition.
EFL Appeal Likely Unsuccessful
When asked if he believed the EFL would approve City’s request, Guardiola admitted he was not optimistic.
“No. But we will try,” he said.
City are expected to formally approach the EFL in the coming days in a bid to make Guéhi available for the final.
