Need to know
The Carabao Cup semi-finals take place this week with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United all in action
The Carabao Cup semi-finas are taking place this week(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Here, football.london takes a look at the rule change affecting transfers and player eligibility for the Carabao Cup semi-final, which will see Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United all in action…
- Removal of cup-tied restrictions: Under the new Rule 6.4, players are now permitted to represent up to two different clubs in the Carabao Cup within the same season, provided they do not play for both in the same round.
- Manchester City’s immediate advantage: City are already set to utilise this rule by fielding Antoine Semenyo in their semi-final against Newcastle; Semenyo is eligible despite having played for Bournemouth in an earlier round of the competition this season.
- Strategic flexibility for Arsenal: The Gunners can now pursue January targets – such as rumored interest in Marc Guéhi – without worrying if the player appeared for their previous club in the early rounds, ensuring they are available for the semi-finals against Chelsea.
- Newcastle United’s competitive disadvantage: Manager Eddie Howe expressed frustration with the rule change, as it will allow a reinforced Man City side to field their £64m signing against a Newcastle squad currently dealing with a defensive injury crisis.
- Eddie Howe said: “Yeah, it was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they’d signed him. I have to say that’s one rule change I probably wouldn’t be supportive of at this current moment. But Antoine’s had an incredible season. I’m a big admirer of his and he scored on his debut, so fair play to him. I think Man City have signed a very, very good player.”
- Increased market value for mid-season transfers: This change removes a major hurdle for all four clubs during January talks, as selling clubs can no longer use “cup eligibility” when negotiating player’s price, and buying clubs can integrate stars immediately into trophy-chasing squads.
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