Why Antoine Semenyo is not cup-tied in Carabao Cup and can feature for Man City against Newcastle

Manchester City will have Antoine Semenyo available for their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, despite already featuring in the competition for Bournemouth.

The Ghana international recently completed a £62.5million move to the Etihad, representing a record sale for the Cherries.

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Semenyo enjoyed an electric debut over the weekend, as he scored and assisted in City’s 10-1 demolition of Exeter in the FA Cup.

And it might not be long before Citizens fans catch another glimpse of the winger, after it was revealed he will not be cup-tied for his new club in their next match.

City travel to St James’ Park on Tuesday night for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against holders Newcastle.

The Magpies famously ended their 70-year wait for a major trophy with victory over Liverpool in last year’s final, and Pep Guardiola‘s side will be keen to put an end to their title defence this year.

Why is Semenyo allowed to play against Newcastle?

Semenyo came off the bench for Bournemouth in an EFL Cup second-round defeat to Brentford in August.

In previous seasons, this would have seen him cup-tied upon joining City, with players instantly ruled out of playing in competitions when they have already featured for another club.

But a recent rule change means Semenyo is now permitted to play for his new side in the huge cup tie.

The EFL amended their previous rule at the start of this season, allowing players to represent up to two clubs in the competition in one campaign.

Rule 6.4 now states: “A registered player shall be permitted to play for up to two clubs in the competition in any one season.”

There are three scenarios in which this rule applies – emergency goalkeeper loans, and summer or winter transfers.

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Semenyo might not be the only City player to benefit from the rule change against Newcastle.

Young defender Max Alleyne was recently recalled from his loan at Watford, and could feature in the Carabao Cup semi-final, despite featuring for Hornets in the competition’s first round.

Elsewhere, Marc Guiu has been able to line up for Chelsea in the competition, having already played for Sunderland in the second round whilst on loan on Wearside.

What has been said about Semenyo’s involvement against Newcastle?

While Semenyo’s availability comes as a massive boost to City, it gives Newcastle one extra worry heading into their cup semi-final.

The forward was in red-hot form for Bournemouth in the first-half of the season, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists to catch the Citizens’ eye.

And Magpies head coach Eddie Howe admitted he was not a fan of the rule change which has allowed Semenyo to be involved against his side.

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Asked about the rule change, 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.”