“This is unbelievable”Registration Row Erupts as EFL Writes to Man City Over Serious Allegations After Semenyo Plays and Scores vs Newcastle United

“This is unbelievable” Registration Row Erupts as EFL Writes to Man City Over Serious Allegations After Semenyo Plays and Scores vs Newcastle United

A storm has erupted across English football after Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg victory over Newcastle United not because of the scoreline but due to a dramatic eligibility dispute that has drawn in the English Football League, Premier League clubs, and senior officials.

City’s £62.5 million January signing Antoine Semenyo played and scored in the 2-0 win at St James’ Park, a result that has been overshadowed by an escalating off-pitch backlash. While supporters initially focused on the on-field controversy including a lengthy VAR check that ruled out what would have been a second Semenyo goal, the post-game narrative quickly shifted to the legality of his involvement in the tie.

In an unprecedented move the EFL has formally written to Manchester City with serious allegations regarding Semenyo’s participation in the semi-final first leg against Newcastle United. Though the club clinched a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg at the Etihad, the situation has quickly morphed into a wider dispute over competition rules and fairness.

The precise contents of the EFL’s letter have been revealed publicly and informed sources suggest it questions whether City correctly applied recent changes to the tournament’s eligibility regulations. Traditionally, players were prevented from representing more than one club in the same season’s competition. Now under new provisions a player may represent two clubs in the League Cup provided certain conditions are met.

Central to the row is a rule modification implemented by the EFL ahead of the 2025-26 season. Under this revision, players are permitted to appear for up to two clubs in the competition in a single season even if they have already played for a previous team in an earlier round. This is the regulation that Manchester City cites in justifying Semenyo’s eligibility despite the forward having appeared for Bournemouth earlier in the tournament this season.

Previously Semenyo would have been automatically cup-tied after featuring for Bournemouth in an earlier round meaning he could not legally switch allegiances and play for Manchester City in the same competition. The new rule has removed that restriction but it has triggered fierce debate among rival managers pundits and fans over whether such a change gives elite clubs with deep resources an unfair advantage particularly in knockout competitions.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe whose side were defending holders of the Carabao Cup was among the first to express public frustration with the rule change. Howe admitted his confusion over how Semenyo could take the field against his own team stating I just don’t get that rule. His comments highlighted concerns that match dynamics including injuries and momentary numerical disadvantages were compounded by unexpected interpretations of eligibility that could swing crucial knockout ties.

Howe’s ire was further intensified by the sight of Semenyo running at full pace for City even as Newcastle were temporarily down a player due to an injury stoppage, a sequence that led to City’s opening goal. Critics argue that the combination of the rule change and split-second on-pitch incidents can unfairly disadvantage opponents.

The debate has been compounded by on-field controversy. During the first leg at St James’ Park a goal that would have extended City’s lead was ruled out by VAR after a lengthy delay amid confusion over offside coordinates and interference rules, a decision that drew criticism from City boss Pep Guardiola and his players. Guardiola blasted the VAR process and suggested inconsistency in officiating decisions in recent matches adding fuel to an already volatile atmosphere.

While Guardiola acknowledged that City navigated the tie’s opening chapter successfully his comments also suggested deeper frustrations with how technology and regulation are applied in English football sentiments that have resonated with some supporters even as they irk others.

With the second leg scheduled at the Etihad Stadium in early February both on-pitch and off-pitch fireworks are likely to continue. The EFL’s written allegations could prompt clarification or even review of the rule’s application but as it stands Semenyo remains eligible and integral to City’s plans.

For Newcastle the controversy represents a bitter twist in their cup defence. For Manchester City it underscores the difficulties of balancing sporting success with navigating evolving regulatory landscapes. For football fans across England it has sparked a broader debate about fairness competition and the role of modern governance in the beautiful game.