By Martin Graham
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on the English Football League to reconsider its regulations so that Marc Guehi can feature in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.
The defender was unavailable for the semi-final return leg against Newcastle, which City won 5-1 on aggregate, and is also currently barred from taking part in the Wembley showpiece on 22 March.
Guardiola argued that the restriction makes little sense, insisting the situation deserves fresh consideration from competition organisers.
Eligibility rules under scrutiny
City completed the signing of the 25-year-old England centre-back from Crystal Palace after securing a 2-0 advantage in the opening leg of the semi-final tie against Newcastle.
Under current tournament guidelines, players must be registered before the winter transfer deadline or ahead of the first semi-final match, depending on which comes earlier, to be cleared for later rounds.
Because the move was finalised after that cut-off point, Guehi has been ruled out, a decision Guardiola says he struggles to understand.
Guardiola questions fairness
Speaking after the semi-final, Guardiola said he hoped the authorities could be persuaded to allow the defender’s involvement, stressing that City had invested heavily and now employed the player.
He contrasted Guehi’s case with that of January arrival Antoine Semenyo, who joined from Bournemouth days before the first leg and was therefore permitted to play, even scoring in that match.
Guardiola maintained that once a footballer is signed within an open transfer period, logic suggests they should be eligible, adding that the club intends to formally raise the issue despite expecting resistance.
Previous changes highlight debate
This season has already seen adjustments to competition regulations, including a revision that removed traditional cup-tied restrictions.
That amendment enabled players such as Semenyo and Max Alleyne to represent City in the semi-finals, even after earlier appearances for other clubs in the same tournament.
Guardiola pointed to that precedent as evidence that rules can evolve, although he acknowledged uncertainty over whether another alteration will be approved in time for the final.
