Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on the English Football League (EFL) to reconsider regulations preventing Marc Guehi from featuring in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley on March 22, 2026.
The 25-year-old England international defender is set to miss the final after being deemed ineligible under current Carabao Cup rules. Guehi recently joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace following City’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the first leg of the semi-finals.
According to Carabao Cup regulations, a player must be registered either before the winter transfer window closes or before the first leg of the semi-final, whichever comes first, to be eligible for the final. This clause has left Guehi sidelined despite City securing a 5-1 aggregate victory over Newcastle to book their place in the final.
Guardiola Questions the Rules Blocking Guehi
Guardiola expressed his frustration with the rule and hopes the EFL will consider an exception to allow Guehi to play in the final.
“Hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup organizers to let Marc Guehi play in the final. I do not understand why he cannot participate,” Guardiola said.
The Spanish coach described the regulation as illogical, pointing out that Manchester City has invested heavily in the player and continues to pay his wages, yet he remains ineligible.
“We bought a player for a lot of money, he is our player, we pay his wages, but he cannot play because of rules I don’t understand,” Guardiola added.
Comparing Guehi’s Case to Antoine Semenyo
Guardiola also drew a comparison to another January signing, Antoine Semenyo, the Ghanaian winger, who joined City four days before the first leg of the semi-final and was even able to score in that match.
“Antoine arrived before the first match, so he could play. Now this is the final. Why can’t Marc? What is the reason?” Guardiola questioned.
The City manager highlighted the inconsistency in the rules, arguing that players who join just before semi-finals should also be eligible for the final if they meet registration requirements in other competitions.
Guardiola Pushes for Official Request
Guardiola revealed that he has asked Manchester City management to submit an official request to the EFL to grant Guehi eligibility for the final. However, the coach remains cautious about the chances of success.
“I have told the club to try and ask for permission. Will it be accepted? No. But we will try,” he stressed.
The Spanish tactician’s plea underscores the value Guardiola places on Guehi as a defensive option. With City preparing to face a strong Arsenal side at Wembley, the absence of a recently signed defender could impact squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Implications for Manchester City
Guehi’s ineligibility raises broader questions about transfer and registration rules in domestic cup competitions. For City, it represents a challenge in squad planning, particularly as the team balances multiple competitions including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Despite the setback, Guardiola remains focused on preparing his available squad to compete at the highest level. The manager’s remarks also highlight the club’s commitment to leveraging all new signings effectively, ensuring that players like Guehi are fully integrated once eligible.
The Fans’ Perspective
Manchester City fans have also reacted to the news with mixed feelings. Many have expressed support for Guardiola’s push, emphasizing the need for flexibility in cup regulations to accommodate strategic squad additions. Some fans argue that the spirit of competition should allow newly signed players to participate if the club has already invested in them.
However, others acknowledge that rules exist to maintain fairness, particularly to prevent clubs from stacking squads solely for the final, reflecting the ongoing tension between strict compliance and practical squad management.
Conclusion: Guardiola’s Determination
While the likelihood of EFL approval remains uncertain, Guardiola’s determination to include Marc Guehi in the Carabao Cup final illustrates his proactive approach to squad management. The situation sheds light on the challenges managers face in navigating competition regulations while maximizing their teams’ potential.
As Manchester City prepares to face Arsenal at Wembley, all eyes will be on Guardiola’s strategies and whether Guehi might yet feature in one of the season’s most high-profile domestic cup finals.
ALSO READ :
