Pep Guardiola has criticised Carabao Cup rules blocking Marc Guéhi from the final, urging the EFL to allow the defender feature at Wembley

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has urged the English Football League to amend its regulations to allow defender Marc Guéhi feature in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley on March 22.

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Guéhi remains ineligible for the final after joining City from Crystal Palace following their 2 0 win over Newcastle United in the first leg of the semi final.

Carabao Cup rules state that players must be registered before the winter transfer window closes or before the first semi final leg, whichever comes first.

The regulation meant the England international missed both legs of City’s 5 1 aggregate victory over Newcastle and now faces exclusion from the final.

Speaking after Wednesday’s second leg, Guardiola described the rule as illogical and confirmed City would approach the EFL to review Guéhi’s eligibility.

The City manager said it made little sense for a fully contracted player to be barred from a major final due to administrative timing.

Guardiola contrasted Guéhi’s situation with that of City’s January signing Antoine Semenyo, who arrived from Bournemouth four days before the first semi final leg and scored in that match.

He said the difference in eligibility between the two players raised questions about fairness and consistency.

Guardiola also noted that the competition had already benefited from a significant rule change this season, with cup tied restrictions removed.

That amendment allowed Semenyo and defender Max Alleyne to represent City in the semi finals despite earlier appearances for Bournemouth and Watford.

Despite his criticism, Guardiola admitted he did not expect the EFL to reverse the decision but confirmed the club would still submit a formal request.

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The Guéhi Carabao Cup final debate has renewed scrutiny of competition regulations ahead of one of English football’s showpiece domestic fixtures.