The EFL has taken a firm stance ahead of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, decisively rejecting Manchester City’s request to make Marc Guehi eligible for the clash against Arsenal.
Despite strong backing from Pep Guardiola, the league showed no flexibility, confirming that the defender will not be allowed to feature in the final. The decision brings an end to City’s hopes of fielding their January signing on one of English football’s biggest domestic stages.
Manchester City’s Appeal Meets EFL Resistance
According to Sky Sports, Manchester City formally approached the English Football League (EFL) seeking special permission for Guehi to play in the Carabao Cup final. However, the response from the league was swift and unequivocal — the request was denied.
City were fully aware that the situation was complicated by competition rules, yet still attempted to challenge the restriction. The EFL, however, remained resolute, refusing to make any exception.
This means Guehi, who joined City from Crystal Palace in January, will watch the final from the sidelines.
Guehi Misses Out Again Despite City’s Final Qualification
Manchester City booked their place at Wembley with a convincing 3–1 win over Newcastle in the semi-final. Once again, Guehi was absent — not due to injury or tactical rotation, but because of eligibility restrictions already enforced by the EFL.
The defender had also been unavailable for the semi-final tie, and the final decision ensures that his exclusion extends to the showpiece event as well.
Why the EFL Has Ruled Marc Guehi Ineligible
The issue centers on timing and the EFL’s revised Rule 6.4.2.
Under the updated regulation, a player may represent more than one club in the competition only if they are registered before either:
- the close of the winter transfer window, or
- the first leg of the semi-final(whichever comes first)
For Manchester City, that deadline arrived early.
City played the first leg of their semi-final on January 13. While Antoine Semenyo, who joined the club on January 9, met the eligibility criteria and was cleared to play, Marc Guehi completed his transfer later — on January 19.
That six-day difference proved decisive.
Semenyo Cleared, Guehi Blocked
The contrast between the two January signings highlights the strict application of EFL rules.
- Antoine Semenyo: Signed before the January 13 cut-off — eligible and even scored.
- Marc Guehi: Signed after the deadline — ruled ineligible for both the semi-final and final.
The EFL made no distinction beyond the regulation itself, applying the rule consistently despite City’s appeal.
Guardiola Voices Frustration Over EFL Decision
Pep Guardiola did not hide his disappointment following the rejection.
“Why shouldn’t he participate? Why not?” Guardiola said.
“He’s our athlete, we pay his wages… I don’t see the reason he can’t participate in the final.”
While clearly frustrated, the City manager acknowledged that the regulation was unlikely to change. Still, he felt the club had a responsibility to ask — even if the answer was ultimately negative.
EFL’s Position Leaves City No Room for Maneuver
With the EFL standing firm, Manchester City must now adjust their plans once again as they prepare for the final against Premier League leaders Arsenal on March 22.
There will be no late reprieve, no exception, and no rule adjustment. The league’s message is clear: regulations apply equally, regardless of circumstance or occasion.
Final Word: EFL’s Authority Prevails
The EFL’s decision underscores its commitment to enforcing competition rules without compromise. While Manchester City may feel aggrieved, the outcome reinforces the league’s authority and consistency.
For Marc Guehi, it means a frustrating wait continues. For City, it’s a reminder that even elite clubs are bound by the same regulations — and that the EFL is not prepared to bend them, even for a Wembley final.
✅ FAQ Block
❓ Why did the EFL block Marc Guehi from playing the final?
The EFL ruled Marc Guehi ineligible because he was registered after the first leg of the semi-final, violating Rule 6.4.2.
❓ Did Manchester City appeal the EFL decision?
Yes, Manchester City requested permission for Guehi to play, but the EFL rejected the appeal.
❓ Can Marc Guehi play in the Carabao Cup final?
No, the EFL has confirmed that Marc Guehi will not be allowed to play in the Wembley final against Arsenal.
Why Rules Seem Different for Suryakumar? Captain’s Poor Form Raises Alarm Ahead of T20 World Cup
December 20, 2025
India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has struggled with his batting form for quite some time, and as the world cup nears, this poses a significant worry for the reigning champions. 19 innings, 218 runs with a strike-rate of 123.16, averaging 13.62. Three ducks. Not fifty. Zero hundred years. Here are the statistics from India captain Yadav’s batting performances in T20Is
India Vs South Africa 5th T20I : India Seal Series with 30-Run Win in Final T20I
December 19, 2025
The India Vs South Africa T20I series reaches its decisive stage as South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first against India in the 5th and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Friday. With India leading the series 2-1, this match holds major importance for both sides, especially after the 4th T20I in Lucknow was
Rajeev Shukla Calls for Halt to Winter Cricket in North India After Lucknow T20I Abandoned Due to Fog
December 18, 2025
The cancellation of the fourth T20I match between India and South Africa in Lucknow has ignited significant discussion in Indian cricket administration. Due to dangerous weather conditions preventing any play, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has issued a stern caution, indicating that winter cricket in North India might become impractical. The event has not only prompted inquiries regarding scheduling choices but
No Toss, No Play: India Vs South Africa T20I Ends Before It Begins
December 18, 2025
Indian cricket witnessed an unprecedented and embarrassing episode on Wednesday as the India Vs South Africa 4th T20I in Lucknow was abandoned without a single ball being bowled. Officially, the match was called off due to excessive fog, but the real issue went far beyond visibility concerns. A hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) of over 400, combined with dense smog,
Excessive Fog Seals No-Result in India vs South Africa 4th T20I Clash
December 17, 2025
India Vs South Africa live cricket coverage proceeds as India takes on South Africa in the fourth T20I of the five-match series in Lucknow. The contest’s commencement has been held up because of dense fog, leading to a postponed toss and an inspection planned for 8:00 PM IST. Supporters are intently monitoring updates as climatic factors influence the events in
Border 2 Teaser Review: Sunny Deol Rekindles 1971 War Spirit With a New Generation
December 17, 2025
Border 2 teaser: Directed by Anurag Singh, the movie features Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. Border 2 teaser: The initial teaser trailer for Border 2, the eagerly awaited follow-up to JP Dutta’s legendary war film Border, has been unveiled. The movie, featuring Sunny Deol, also includes a fresh selection of actors like Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh,
Joe Burns Left Out as Italy Turn the Page Ahead of First T20 World Cup
December 17, 2025
Italy will step into uncharted territory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a new leader at the helm — and without Joe Burns, the captain who guided them to qualification. In a decision that has sparked discussion across the cricketing world, the Italian Cricket Federation has confirmed that Burns will not be part of the squad for Italy’s
IND Vs SA 4th T20I Preview: Spotlight on Arshdeep Singh as Reeza Hendricks Faces Test in Lucknow
December 17, 2025
The IND Vs SA 4th T20I promises another intense chapter in the ongoing series as India and South Africa lock horns on December 17, 2025, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground, Lucknow. Scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, the contest brings individual battles, selection questions, and tactical decisions into sharp focus. With conditions different from Dharamsala and key players
AUS Vs ENG: Lyon’s Homecoming, Smith Under Pressure as Ashes Moves to Adelaide
December 17, 2025
The Ashes rivalry resumes with high intensity as AUS Vs ENG shifts to Adelaide Oval for the third Test, with Australia holding a commanding 2-0 lead. The contest brings personal battles, selection statements, and mounting pressure to the forefront, making this clash one of the most emotionally charged encounters of the series so far. Match: Australia vs England Date: 17
Lionel Messi in Delhi: 35 Minutes That Turned a Night Into Forever
December 16, 2025
Lionel Messi does not visit India often. And when he does, time seems to bend, patience stretches, and memory takes over reality. For Delhi, it lasted just 35 minutes — but it felt like a lifetime. From Kolkata to Mumbai, Hyderabad to the capital, India chased a glimpse of footballing immortality. On a cold Delhi evening at the Arun Jaitley