In the Latest News from English football, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has urged the English Football League (EFL) to rethink its rules so that defender Marc Guehi can play in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. The final is scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium on March 22.
Guardiola believes the current rules are unfair and do not make sense, especially in modern football where transfers happen quickly and clubs invest heavily in players. Speaking after City’s semi-final win, the Spanish coach said it is “pure logic” that a player signed by a club should be allowed to play in such an important match.
Why Marc Guehi Is Not Allowed to Play
Marc Guehi, a 25-year-old England international centre-back, joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace in January. However, under Carabao Cup rules, a player must be registered before the winter transfer window closes or before the first leg of the semi-final—whichever comes earlier—to be eligible for the final.
Because City signed Guehi after their first-leg semi-final match against Newcastle, he was not allowed to play in the second leg and is currently set to miss the final as well.
Manchester City went on to beat Newcastle 5-1 on aggregate, but Guardiola was left frustrated by the rule that blocks one of his key defenders from featuring at Wembley.
“I don’t understand why Marc cannot play the final,” Guardiola said. “You buy a player for a lot of money, you pay his salary, and he still cannot play. Hopefully they can change it.”
Guardiola Pushes for “Common Sense” in Football Rules
Guardiola said the club plans to officially ask the EFL to reconsider the rule. He argued that transfer windows are governed by FIFA, UEFA, and the Premier League, and once a player is legally signed, he should be eligible to play.
“This is pure logic,” Guardiola explained. “When you buy a player and the transfer window is open, he should be allowed to play. Why not?”
He admitted he does not expect an easy answer from the EFL but said Manchester City will still try.
When asked if he believed the request would be approved, Guardiola replied simply: “No. But we will try.”
Comparison With Other January Signings
Guardiola pointed to winger Antoine Semenyo as an example of how the rule feels inconsistent. Semenyo joined City from Bournemouth four days before the first leg against Newcastle and was allowed to play. He even scored in that match.
“So Antoine arrived before the first game and could play,” Guardiola said. “Now it’s the final. Why should Marc not play? I don’t understand.”
City have already benefited from a rule change earlier this season that allowed players to represent two clubs in the same competition. That adjustment made it possible for Semenyo and Max Alleyne to play in the semi-finals, despite featuring for other clubs in earlier rounds.
Off-Field Controversy Surrounding Guardiola
While Guardiola’s comments about football rules made Breaking News, the City manager has also faced criticism for speaking out on global political and humanitarian issues.
Jewish community leaders in Greater Manchester have expressed concern over Guardiola’s public statements, saying he should focus on football rather than international affairs.
The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region released a statement urging Guardiola to be more careful with his words, especially at a time when anti-Semitism is reportedly on the rise.
Community Leaders Call for Caution
The group said Manchester City has been “let down” by Guardiola repeatedly commenting on global conflicts. Their statement came after Guardiola spoke about his emotional response to wars and humanitarian crises around the world.
Last week, Guardiola gave a speech at a charity event in Barcelona expressing support for Palestinian children affected by conflict. He also referenced suffering in Ukraine, Sudan, and the United States during a recent press conference.
While the organisation acknowledged that Guardiola’s views may be well-intentioned, it said his role as a football manager comes with responsibility.
“Pep Guardiola is a football manager,” the statement said. “He should focus on football.”
Guardiola Defends His Right to Speak
At a football news conference, Guardiola defended his stance, saying he feels pain when innocent people are killed anywhere in the world.
“When thousands of innocent people are killed, it hurts me,” he said. “If it were the opposite side, it would hurt me the same. This is not complicated.”
Guardiola added that he will always speak up when he feels something is morally wrong, regardless of criticism.
“If you need to kill thousands of people to defend an idea, I will stand up against that. Always,” he said.
Club Response and Wider Impact
Manchester City declined to comment on the criticism from community leaders. The situation highlights the growing debate over whether high-profile sports figures should use their platform to speak on global issues.
Some fans support Guardiola’s honesty and compassion, while others believe such discussions distract from football. The debate continues to divide opinion both inside and outside the sport.
What Happens Next?
As the Carabao Cup final approaches, all eyes will be on whether the EFL responds to Manchester City’s request regarding Marc Guehi. If the rules remain unchanged, City will have to face Arsenal without one of their newest defenders.
At the same time, Guardiola remains under scrutiny not just for his tactical decisions, but also for his outspoken views beyond football.
