Manchester City defender Marc Guehi cleared to face Liverpool in FA Cup
Manchester City defender Marc Guehi is eligible to face Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final following a major mid-season rule change by the Football Association.
The England international joined Pep Guardiola’s squad from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window.
Under previous regulations, the central defender would have been strictly cup-tied after featuring for his former club in earlier rounds of the competition.
However, the FA has recently updated its framework to modernise the tournament and offer greater flexibility for high-profile winter acquisitions.
End of the cup-tied rule
The new legislation officially allows players who have switched clubs mid-season to be registered for domestic cup fixtures with their new employers.
City officials reportedly pushed heavily for this clarification to ensure their expensive defensive signing could immediately participate.
The former Palace star has already taken advantage of the updated framework by featuring in City’s fourth and fifth-round victories over Salford City and Newcastle United respectively.
This ruling represents a significant boost for elite Premier League teams who regularly invest substantial sums during the winter market.
Modernisation or loss of tradition?
Critics of the mid-season adjustment argue that abolishing the cup-tied rule erodes the unique one-club spirit and traditional integrity of historic knockout tournaments.
Conversely, proponents suggest the decision logically aligns the English domestic game with other major European competitions that have already relaxed similar player restrictions.
Guardiola’s side have already benefited from comparable legislative changes elsewhere this season.
Forward Antoine Semenyo was permitted to play in both legs of the League Cup semi-final against Newcastle after completing a mid-season move from Bournemouth.
The continued availability of their new defensive anchor ensures that City retain their strongest possible lineup as they continue their quest for domestic silverware against their Premier League rivals.
