Manchester City Launch Formal Appeal Over Marc Guehi Cup Final Eligibility
Manchester City are set to formally challenge the Football League's ruling that prevents their January signing, Marc Guehi, from featuring in the upcoming Carabao Cup final. Manager Pep Guardiola has publicly confirmed he has directed the club to submit an appeal, seeking special dispensation for the defender to play against Arsenal at Wembley on 22 March.
Guardiola Questions 'Illogical' Registration Rules
The controversy stems from Guehi's £20 million transfer from Crystal Palace, which was completed on 19 January. Under current EFL regulations, a player must be registered in time for the first leg of a semi-final to be eligible for the final. As Guehi was not signed before City's first leg against Newcastle United, he was ruled out of both the second leg and the showpiece final.
"I don't understand why he cannot play the final," Guardiola stated emphatically. "You buy a player for a lot of money and he is not able to play for a rule I don't understand. Hopefully they can change it." The City boss has asked the club to compose a formal letter of appeal to the EFL, arguing the rule lacks "pure logic" given that the transfer was completed within the official window.
Contrast with Semenyo's Situation Highlights Inconsistency
Guardiola's frustration is compounded by the contrasting situation of his other January acquisition, Antoine Semenyo. The forward, signed from Bournemouth, was eligible to play and even scored in the semi-final second leg at St James' Park because his registration was completed before the first leg.
"Apparently Marc cannot play the second leg because he didn't play the first. And Antoine arrived before the first so could play. And now it's the final. Why should he not play?" Guardiola questioned, highlighting what he perceives as an inconsistent application of the cup's eligibility criteria.
Guardiola Pessimistic But Determined to Challenge Ruling
Despite launching the appeal, Guardiola admitted he is not optimistic about its chances of success. "No, but we will try," he conceded when asked if he expected a positive outcome. However, he remains steadfast in his belief that the club should challenge what he views as an unjust regulation.
"I said to the club, they have to ask, definitely," he insisted. "The rules to buy a player depends on Fifa, Uefa, the Premier League who say, OK the transfer window is open, when you buy a player you have to play, no? It's logic. Of course we are going to try."
Long-Term View for England International Guehi
While the immediate focus is on the Carabao Cup final, Guardiola took a longer-term view regarding Guehi's prospects at the Etihad. The England international, who captained Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory last season, is seen as a key part of City's future.
"He is so young. He came to a team that will play in the next years a lot of finals. No doubt about that," Guardiola affirmed, suggesting that even if the appeal fails, Guehi will have numerous opportunities to win silverware with Manchester City in the coming seasons.
The club's appeal now places the decision in the hands of the Football League, setting up a significant administrative and regulatory discussion ahead of one of the domestic season's major finals.
