Pep Guardiola has revealed Manchester City will formally request a major change to Carabao Cup regulations ahead of next month’s final against Arsenal.
Cup Final Controversy: Guardiola Slams Rule Barring His Own Player
The manager’s announcement follows his side’s comfortable semi-final victory over Newcastle United.
Guardiola expressed sharp frustration over a rule that currently renders January signing Marc Guehi ineligible for the Wembley showpiece.
The defender missed Wednesday’s second leg because he did not feature in the first leg against Newcastle prior to his transfer.
“Hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup that Marc can play the Final because it’s difficult to understand,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
He argued the rule defies logic for a player who is now a fully registered City asset. “He belongs to us… we pay his salary. Why should he not play?!”
The Catalan manager confirmed the club will appeal to the English Football League (EFL).
“We’ll make a letter, and hopefully they can change it,” he stated, emphasising that Guehi will have been at the club for a significant period by the March final.
However, Guardiola holds little hope for a mid-season amendment. Predicting the EFL’s response, he admitted, “Er, ‘no’. To change the rules, no way. But we will try!”
The situation highlights broader selection pressures as City prepare for a decisive period.
While the appeal progresses, the team’s focus will shift to maintaining fitness and exploring other defensive options, including the recently returned Ruben Dias.
Whether the EFL entertains City’s unprecedented request remains uncertain, but Guardiola has forcefully placed the competition’s eligibility criteria under scrutiny just weeks before a major final.
