Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes it defies pure logic that new signing Marc Guehi cannot feature in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal on March 22. The centre-back is cup-tied after playing three times for Crystal Palace earlier in the competition.
EFL Rules Changed This Season But Cutoff Applies
Before this season players were cup-tied after featuring for one club in the Carabao Cup. The EFL relaxed regulations to allow appearances for two teams following Uefa’s lead in European competitions. The change aimed to ease restrictions given August rounds occur during open transfer windows. However the rule includes a cutoff: players must sign before the semi-final first leg to be eligible beyond that stage.
Guehi joined City seven days after the cutoff missing eligibility for the final despite potentially playing in the second leg. Guardiola called for reconsideration but BBC Sport understands the EFL will reject any request. Arsenal would likely oppose altering rules to allow an England international against them.
Comparison with FA Cup and Guardiola’s Case
Guardiola has a point on inconsistency between competitions. The FA Cup has no cutoff beyond the winter window close so Guehi can play for City against Salford in round four despite featuring for Palace in round three. The EFL argues rules were clear from the season start and clubs knew the deadline.
The EFL already tweaked wording this season to include recalled loanees like Chelsea’s Marc Guiu who played for two clubs after clarification. But the fundamental semi-final cutoff remains unchanged to maintain fairness.
Guardiola’s complaint highlights arbitrary dates but the EFL stands firm on consistent application known in advance. City must proceed without Guehi at Wembley.
