Pep Guardiola Calls for Carabao Cup Rule Change to Allow Marc Guehi in Final Against Arsenal
Manchester City are through to the Carabao Cup final after a convincing semi-final victory over Newcastle United, setting up a mouth-watering clash with Arsenal at Wembley on March 22, 2026. But the excitement comes with a major talking point: new signing Marc Guehi is currently ineligible to play in the showpiece event under existing rules.
Pep Guardiola, speaking after City’s 3-1 second-leg win (5-1 aggregate), made his frustration clear and revealed the club will push for a change so the defender can feature against what he called one of the best teams in world football right now.
Why Marc Guehi Is Currently Ruled Out of the Carabao Cup Final
City completed the £20m signing of the England international centre-back from Crystal Palace in January 2026. The move came after the first leg of the semi-final against Newcastle, where City had already won 2-0.
Under Carabao Cup regulations (specifically rule 6.4.2), a player who has appeared for one club earlier in the competition can only switch to a second club and remain eligible if they join before the semi-final first leg.
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Because Guéhi arrived after that deadline, he was barred from the second leg against Newcastle and—unless the rules are amended—will also miss the final.
Guardiola couldn’t hide his confusion over the situation.
“Why should he not play? Why not? We pay his salary, we hire him, he’s our player. Why should he not play?” he said.
“I said to the club they have to ask (for the rules to be changed), definitely. I don’t understand the reason why he cannot play in the final in March when he’s been here for a long time.”
“Of course we’re going to ask for him to play because it’s pure logic.”
When asked what response he expects from the authorities, Guardiola laughed and replied: “No. But we will try!”
The City boss pointed out that the club has made a significant investment in Guehi and finds it hard to accept that he could be sidelined for such an important match purely due to timing.
Guardiola Praises Arsenal as “Best Team in the World Right Now”
Despite the off-field issue, Guardiola was thrilled to reach the final and deliver a first Wembley experience for several members of his squad.
“I’m really happy for the players who have never been in a final for this club. It’s a good thing to experience that against maybe the best team right now in Europe, in the world, for many reasons,” he said.
“The numbers, the stats, the way they play in many aspects are really good.”
“I think it will be an incredible experience for all of us to try to arrive in March with hopefully everybody fit, everybody ready, and we can make a good game against them.”
The Arsenal side that Guardiola describes as potentially the best on the planet sits at the top of the Premier League table and has been in outstanding form across competitions. Facing them in a domestic cup final promises high drama and tactical intrigue.
What Happens Next for Manchester City and Marc Guehi ?
Manchester City plan to formally write to the EFL and Carabao Cup organisers requesting special permission or a rule adjustment to allow Guéhi to participate on March 22. While Guardiola sounded realistic about the chances of success, the club clearly believes the case is strong enough to pursue.
For fans, the build-up to this Manchester City vs Arsenal Carabao Cup final is already heating up—both on the pitch and behind the scenes. If the rule change is granted, Guéhi could add extra defensive steel to City’s bid for silverware. If not, it will add another layer of motivation for the rest of the squad.
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Pep Guardiola Calls for Carabao Cup Rule Change to Allow Marc Guehi in Final Against Arsenal