Manchester City have secured their place in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal on March 22 at Wembley. However, new signing Marc Guehi will not be eligible to feature due to EFL rules.
Guehi Ineligible After Joining Post Semi-Final First Leg
The centre-back joined City after the first leg of their semi-final against Chelsea. According to current Carabao Cup regulations, players signed after the first leg of a semi-final are not permitted to play in the final. This rule prevents Guehi from featuring in the Wembley showpiece despite being part of the squad for the second leg and beyond.
Guardiola Calls for Rule Change
Pep Guardiola has publicly called for a rule change to allow Guehi to participate in the final. The City boss believes the defender, signed to strengthen the backline, should be allowed to play in such a major match after contributing to the team’s progression.
EFL Expected to Reject the Request
Sky Sports News understands that the English Football League (EFL), which organises the Carabao Cup, will turn down any request to amend the rule. The regulation is in place to maintain fairness and consistency in eligibility for cup competitions. The EFL is unlikely to make an exception even for a high-profile final.
This situation highlights the strict nature of cup competition rules regarding transfer timing and eligibility. City will have to rely on their existing squad options for the defence in the final against Arsenal. The match promises to be a high-stakes clash between two Premier League title contenders.
