Guehi Set to Miss Carabao Cup Final Due to EFL Regulations

Marc Guehi joined Manchester City from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace on January 19, in a transfer that involved a £20 million ($27 million) fee for a player set to become a free agent in the summer. This deal was finalized shortly after Pep Guardiola’s side secured a 2-0 first-leg lead in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle.

According to EFL regulations, a player cannot represent two clubs in the competition if they transfer to a second club after the first leg of the semi-final. This restriction applied to Guehi, resulting in his absence during City’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium, which ensured their progression to another major final.

The Blues had hoped the EFL would reconsider its rules ahead of their match against Premier League leaders Arsenal on March 22. Following a convincing aggregate win over Newcastle, Guardiola remarked, “Hopefully, we can convince the Carabao Cup that Marc can play in the final. I don’t understand why he cannot participate. You acquire a player for a significant amount, yet he is unable to play due to a rule that I do not comprehend. Antoine arrived before the first leg and could play. Now it’s the final; why shouldn’t Guehi play? We pay his salary; he is our player.”

Guardiola asserted it was “pure logic” to allow Guehi to compete against Arsenal. Another winter recruit, Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo, is eligible to participate, having joined City from Bournemouth on January 9, and he was instrumental in City’s first-leg win over Newcastle.

However, Standard Sport reports that the EFL has decided against amending the rules, meaning Guehi will unfortunately have to watch the Carabao Cup final from the stands at Wembley. This season saw adjustments to League Cup rules, permitting players to represent two different clubs in the competition, but it remains a stipulation that any transfers must be completed prior to the second leg of the semi-final fixtures.

The regulations specify: “A Registered player shall be permitted to play for up to two clubs in the competition in any one season where such player has appeared for his parent or loan club in the competition prior to the closure of the summer transfer window… or has appeared for his parent or loan club in the competition prior to the closure of the winter transfer window or the first leg of the semi-final.”

With John Stones and Josko Gvardiol sidelined due to injuries, Guardiola’s squad is thin on center-back options. However, Ruben Dias may return to the lineup for the upcoming Premier League match against Liverpool, putting him in contention to face Arsenal at Wembley.