Semenyo Eligibility Explained: Why New Man City Signing Can Face Newcastle in Carabao Cup Semi-Final

Despite already playing for Bournemouth in an earlier round of the competition, the Ghana international is eligible to represent his new club thanks to a major amendment to EFL eligibility laws.

Historically, the Carabao Cup followed a strict "one club per season" policy. Rule 6.4 once stated that no player could represent more than one club in the competition during a single campaign, often preventing big January signings from appearing in the final stages of the tournament.

However, at the start of the 2025/26 season, the EFL introduced a landmark change to Rule 6.4. The updated regulation now allows a registered player to play for up to two clubs in the competition in a single season. 

Because Semenyo moved to a different club on a permanent transfer before the first leg of the semi-final, he meets the criteria to feature for Manchester City, despite coming on as a substitute for Bournemouth during their second-round defeat to Brentford in August.

The news has not been well-received on Tyneside. Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, who is preparing his side to defend their Carabao Cup trophy, expressed his frustration during today's pre-match press conference.

Howe, who previously coached at Bournemouth and is a long-term admirer of Semenyo, admitted with a wry smile that he only learned about the rule change after Manchester City had secured the signing. He noted that it was a rule change he "probably wouldn't be supportive of at this current moment," citing the disadvantage it creates for opponents who must now face a world-class player who would have been ineligible just a year ago.

Despite the tactical setback, Howe acknowledged that Semenyo has had an "incredible season" and remains one of the league's most dangerous attackers. Newcastle will now have to find a way to stop a player who has already demonstrated his goal-scoring touch for City during their 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter City on Saturday.

While the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are taking place this week in Morocco, Semenyo is available for Manchester City because Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 tournament. The Black Stars finished at the bottom of their qualification group, meaning Semenyo stayed in England for the duration of January.

This availability was a key factor in City's decision to trigger his £65 million release clause early in the window. While stars like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané are away on international duty, Semenyo provides Pep Guardiola with immediate, elite-level reinforcements for the busy winter schedule.