Manchester City have been told no over proposed rule changes after requesting an exception to be made and for Marc Guehi to be able to play in the EFL Carabao Cup final.
The Cityzens made it through to the last two following their 3-1 win against Newcastle United in the decisive tie at the Etihad Stadium, beating the North East side 5-1 on aggregate over the course of the two-legged semis.
However, Man City have now reportedly had their appeal rejected, with the EFL stating definitively that Marc Guehi will not be playing in the final.
With Pep Guardiola’s squad having suffered a number of injuries across their backline of late, it goes without saying that they could do with as many available defenders as possible.
BREAKING: The EFL will not change its rules to allow Marc Guehi to play for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final 🚨 pic.twitter.com/QFw5KIiaNz
As confirmed by Sky Sports and other sources, the governing body for the wider English pyramid has stated clearly that Guehi will be ineligible for selection by City in the final.
ADVERTISEMENT
Put simply, this is because Guehi – having just joined the club this January transfer window – is already cup-tied, after playing for his former employers, Crystal Palace, in previous rounds of the Carabao Cup.
While most new signings have previously been able to represent their new side in the same competition after leaving their old team, in this case, the domestic knockout tournament has already progressed too far, basically.
ADVERTISEMENT
Since there is just one last fixture to play before we find out the winner, one of Man City or Arsenal is crowned champions for 2026, the EFL have insisted that Guehi can’t play in the final.
Following manager Guardiola’s comments after the win on Wednesday night, in which he said he would ask for the rules to be amended, Sky gave a quick explainer to those left confused.
As broadcaster Mark Chapman mentioned, this just so happens to be the first year that this particular scenario has occurred in the event’s 86-year history.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pep made it apparent that he doesn’t agree with the stipulation and that the England international will be unable to play “because of a rule that I don’t understand”; many supporters, be they Blue or otherwise, argue that changing regulations is simply ‘common sense’.
Nevertheless, it looks like the EFL are sticking with it, and come the EFL Cup final at Wembley from 4:30pm on Sunday, 22 March, Guehi will have to settle for watching from the stands against their current title rivals on two fronts.
What do you make of the debate?
You can see his Pep’s most recent post-match press conference in full here.
A free snooker fan zone has popped up in Manchester for the 2026 Tour Championship
Danny Jones
We’re sure plenty of you are well aware that this year’s WST Sportsbet.io Tour Championship is happening in Manchester right now, but what many of you may not know is that a completely free snooker fan zone has opened up as part of it.
You don’t need a ticket for any of the actual matches to watch them on the big screen or even play one of your own.
However, it isn’t just the buzz inside the match room itself that the World Snooker Tour has brought on its return to the city centre – even the supporter hub outside is well worth a visit.
Based over at Manchester Central on the Exchange side of the building, while the games themselves are taking place in the main rooms, the foyer and surrounding areas have been turned into a fan park.
Perfect for anyone looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or, indeed, a full day this week – not to mention an ideal activity for kids this coming Easter bank holiday weekend – if you’re a fan of the sport, you’d be a fool not to at least pop your head in.
Running until this Sunday, 5 April, when the tournament itself finishes, snooker lovers have access not only to a bar area with multiple big screens and food and drink, but also numerous free tables for them to play on.
In fact, you quickly turn a few frames into some proper practice if you’re so inclined, as there’s even on-site coaching to be made the most of.
As you can see, people of all ages have already turned up in their droves to soak up the atmosphere.
Once again, the competition is being broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 5 if you’re happy to watch the games at home, but we don’t need to tell you what makes sitting in a room with a bunch of fellow fans and getting excited together so enjoyable.
If you visit the Manchester Central convention centre before the end of the week, you can even have a go at playing on a proper king-sized snooker table for the full pro-feel experience.
For anyone who wants to grab actual tickets for the matches as well, you can find them HERE.
Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best
Danny Jones
This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again– and there are some big names on show.
Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.
Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.
Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.
Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.
Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.
Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.
With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.
Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.
There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.
The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.
Danny Jones -
5th February 2026 
