Man City to contest Marc Guéhi’s eligibility for Carabao Cup final

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City is preparing to request special permission from the English Football League (EFL) to allow Marc Guéhi to participate in the Carabao Cup final, as stated by Pep Guardiola.

City secured their spot at Wembley against Arsenal in March with a 5-1 aggregate victory over Newcastle on Wednesday.

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Guéhi was ineligible to compete against Eddie Howe’s team, and afterward, Guardiola expressed that it was “difficult to understand” the regulation that will also bar the 25-year-old from playing in the final since he was not registered prior to the semifinal first leg.

Antoine Semenyo, who also joined in January, will be eligible as he transferred from Bournemouth before the semifinal first leg at St James’ Park on Jan. 13.

“Hopefully we can persuade the Carabao Cup (EFL) that Marc can participate in the final,” Guardiola remarked.

“I don’t comprehend why he cannot play in the final. Hopefully, we can draft a letter.

“You acquire a player for a significant amount of money, and he is unable to play due to a rule I don’t grasp. Hopefully, they can amend it. It is challenging to understand.”

While Semenyo was permitted to play in both matches against Newcastle, Guéhi was ineligible for the second leg despite having already participated in two Premier League matches for his new team following his transfer from Crystal Palace.

Guardiola acknowledged that he does not have high expectations for the England defender to be allowed to play against Arsenal on March 22, but he has urged City officials to make the request.

“I told the club they must inquire, without a doubt,” he stated.

“Marc cannot participate in the second leg because he did not play in the first. And Antoine arrived before the first, so he could play. And now it’s the final. Why shouldn’t he play? Why not? We pay his salary; he is our player.”