Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on the English Football League to review its registration rules after January signing Marc Guehi was ruled ineligible for the upcoming EFL Cup final against Arsenal, MySportDab Reports.
City secured their place at Wembley with a convincing 3–1 victory over Newcastle United in Wednesday’s semi-final second leg, completing a 5–1 aggregate triumph following a 2–0 first-leg win at St James’ Park.
Omar Marmoush struck twice, while Tijjani Reijnders added another as the hosts effectively wrapped up the tie within 32 minutes. Newcastle threatened during a more open second half, but the damage had already been done.
Despite the success, Guardiola’s side were without Guehi, who was cup-tied after not being registered before the semi-final began. Fellow winter recruit Antoine Semenyo was eligible and featured, but Guehi will also miss the March 22 final — a situation Guardiola believes is unfair.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the City boss questioned the regulation and revealed plans to challenge it. He argued that it was difficult to accept that a player signed at considerable expense could not represent his new club, expressing hope that officials might reconsider.
The result sends City into their 10th League Cup final appearance, drawing level with Chelsea and Manchester United, with only Liverpool having reached more.
Guardiola’s side famously won the competition four consecutive times between 2017–18 and 2020–21, though this marks their first final since then.
Reflecting on the achievement, Guardiola emphasised the importance of such experiences for a refreshed squad still building momentum after their last major trophy in the 2023–24 Premier League title.
He described the final as an opportunity for newer players to develop a winning mentality and welcomed the challenge of facing Arsenal, whom he labelled one of the strongest teams in world football.