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.
Akhanda 2: Balakrishna Turns One-Man Army in a High-Voltage Mythic Actioner
December 12, 2025
Akhanda 2 arrives with the same unmistakable Boyapati Sreenu signature — thunderous elevation, divine mass moments, and an unapologetic dismissal of physics. Titled Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, the sequel transports audiences straight into a world where logic is politely asked to wait outside the theatre while Balakrishna takes over as the nation’s unofficial security force. Akhanda 2: Logic Steps Aside, Mythic
The Devil Review: Darshan’s Political Drama Stumbles Despite Massive Hype
December 12, 2025
Kannada cinema witnessed one of its most highly anticipated releases of the year as The Devil, starring Darshan, hit theatres on December 11. The political drama arrived amid huge buzz in Karnataka, intensified by developments surrounding the Renukaswamy case involving the actor. Fans showed unprecedented support, carrying the film on their shoulders despite Darshan’s absence from promotions. Early morning shows
India Vs South Africa 2nd T20I Match Live Updates: South Africa Won by 51 Runs
December 11, 2025
India vs South Africa 2nd T20I Match (India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team): The IND Vs SA 2nd T20I of the ongoing five-match series unfolds today at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, where both India and South Africa enter the contest with contrasting motivations. After a commanding 101-run victory in
IND Vs SA 2nd T20I Preview: India Eye Series Edge as South Africa Seek Strong Comeback
December 11, 2025
The rapid turnaround between fixtures gives India and South Africa barely any time to reset as they arrive in Chandigarh for the IND Vs SA 2nd T20I. With both teams stepping into the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium under tight scheduling, the focus shifts instantly from Cuttack’s outcome to Wednesday’s crucial face-off. IND Vs SA 2nd T20I – Team News India
IND Vs SA 2nd T20I: Chandigarh Set for a High-Voltage Clash
December 10, 2025
As India and South Africa gear up for the IND Vs SA 2nd T20I, the tight scheduling leaves both teams with barely any time to regroup after the dramatic first match in Cuttack. Having only just arrived in Chandigarh, preparation time at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium is minimal ahead of the December 11 clash. A Rapid-Fire Schedule Leaves No
ICC Ranking Update: Rohit Sharma Stays on Top, Kohli Rises Fast
December 10, 2025
In a recent update to the ICC Rankings, Indian cricket maintains its lead in the ODI batting standings, with Rohit Sharma securely holding the world No.1 spot, while Virat Kohli has jumped two positions to regain the No.2 ranking. The two giants of Indian cricket have shown outstanding performance in recent series, narrowing the difference between them to merely eight
ICC Ranking Update: Virat Kohli Climbs to No. 2, Inches Closer to Rohit Sharma’s Top Spot
December 10, 2025
India’s star batter Virat Kohli has taken a significant leap in the ICC Ranking, rising two places to claim the No. 2 spot in the latest ODI rankings for batters. After a stellar performance in the recently concluded India vs South Africa ODI series, Kohli now stands just eight rating points behind Rohit Sharma, the current No. 1 ICC Ranking:
IND Vs SA T20I Live Score Updates: South Africa Win Toss In Cuttack, Opt To Bowl First. IND-175/6
December 9, 2025
Here are the full IND Vs SA T20I live updates, anticipated XIs, toss information, pitch evaluation, and early match highlights based exclusively on the details given In a much- awaited encounter, the 2024 T20 World Cup contenders meet again as India and South Africa kick off their five-match series on Tuesday (December 9) in Cuttack. The series represents an important
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: Groups, Dates, Venues and Match Timings Released
December 7, 2025
FIFA has officially unveiled the complete match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. The upcoming edition will be the largest World Cup in history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and featuring 104 matches across 16 venues. The tournament begins on June 11,
History Made! Kohli Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s World Record With 20th Player of the Series Award
December 7, 2025
In a landmark moment for cricket, Kohli has surpassed one of the biggest world records held by Sachin Tendulkar, becoming the first cricketer in men’s international cricket to win 20 Player of the Series (POTS) awards. The milestone came after his exceptional performance in the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa. Kohli Creates Global Record, Surpasses Tendulkar’s Legendary