Guardiola Advocates for Rule Amendment to Enable Guehi’s Participation in Final

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is pressing the English Football League to modify its regulations, allowing Marc Guehi to compete in the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.

Guehi, who is set to miss the match on March 22 at Wembley Stadium, was ineligible after City secured a 5-1 aggregate win over Newcastle in the semi-final second leg. The 25-year-old defender joined City from Crystal Palace following their 2-0 victory in the first leg.

According to the competition’s rules, players must be signed before the winter transfer window closes or before the first leg of the semi-final to qualify for play. Guardiola expressed his confusion over the situation, stating, “I don’t understand why he cannot play the final.”

“You purchase a player for a significant fee, and he cannot participate due to a rule that makes no sense. I hope they reconsider this decision,” Guardiola remarked.

He further noted that Antoine Semenyo, another January signing who joined from Bournemouth just days before the first leg against Newcastle, was able to play because he met eligibility criteria. Guardiola questioned, “If Antoine can play, why shouldn’t Guehi? We pay his wages; he is part of our team.”

Guardiola urged the club to formally request a review of Guehi’s eligibility, reiterating his long-standing experience in football and the illogical nature of the current rules. He stated, “Transfer regulations are determined by FIFA, UEFA, and the Premier League, which open the window for transfers, suggesting that players should be eligible to participate immediately. It’s pure logic. Of course, we will push to have him play.”

When asked about the expected response from the EFL, Guardiola predicted, “No. But we will make an attempt.” This season, City has already benefitted from a rule adjustment that allowed players to participate for two clubs in the same competition, circumventing the traditional cup-tied restrictions.

This change enabled Semenyo and Max Alleyne to compete in the semi-finals, even after having played for Bournemouth and Watford, respectively, in earlier rounds.