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Guardiola challenges Carabao Cup rules over Guehi ineligibility
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on the English Football League (EFL) to revise its regulations to permit defender Marc Guehi to feature in the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Arsenal on 22 March.
Guehi's transfer timing blocks final appearance
The 25-year-old England centre-back joined City from Crystal Palace following their 2-0 first-leg victory over Newcastle United in the semi-finals. However, EFL rules stipulate that players must be registered either before the winter transfer window closes or prior to the first leg of the semi-finals-whichever comes first-to be eligible for the final. Guehi's late arrival means he will miss the showpiece at Wembley.
Guardiola questions logic behind eligibility restrictions
Speaking after City's 5-1 aggregate win over Newcastle, Guardiola expressed frustration at the rule, arguing that it defies common sense. "Hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup that Marc [Guehi] can play the final. I don't understand why he cannot play the final," he said. "You buy a player for a lot of money, and he is not able to play for a rule I don't understand. Hopefully, they can change it."
"Antoine [Semenyo] arrived before the first [game] so could play. And now it's the final. Why should he [Guehi] not play? Why not? We pay his salary; he is our player."
Pep Guardiola
City's January signings highlight rule inconsistencies
City's other January acquisition, winger Antoine Semenyo, joined from Bournemouth four days before the first leg against Newcastle and was eligible to feature, even scoring in the tie. Guardiola contrasted the two cases, questioning why Guehi-now a City player-should be barred from the final. "The rules to buy a player depend on FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League. They say, 'OK, the transfer window is open, when you buy a player, you have to play, no?' It's logic," he added.
EFL response expected to be negative, but City will push
When asked about the likelihood of the EFL granting an exception, Guardiola replied, "No. But we will try." The club has already benefited from a rule change this season allowing players to represent two teams in the same competition, avoiding the previous "cup-tied" restriction. This adjustment enabled Semenyo and goalkeeper Max Alleyne-who had appeared for Bournemouth and Watford, respectively-to play in the semi-finals.
Broader implications for City's squad planning
The dispute underscores the challenges Guardiola faces as City navigate a transitional period, with long-term succession planning already underway amid speculation about his future at the club. The final against Arsenal will proceed without Guehi, but the episode may fuel further debate over the fairness and flexibility of competition rules.
