Guardiola Urges FA to Relocate FA Cup Semi-Finals

LONDON, England — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on the Football Association to reconsider the location of FA Cup semi-finals, urging a move away from Wembley Stadium for greater fan convenience. This plea comes as City prepares to face Nottingham Forest in the semi-final on Sunday, amid reports that thousands of seats will remain empty due to travel and cost concerns.

City has failed to sell its allocation of 36,230 tickets for the match, highlighting the difficulties fans face in attending. Ticket prices range significantly, with £150, £120, and £90 still available for purchase up until Friday. Many supporters express frustration over high costs and complications of traveling back from London on a Sunday evening.

Semi-finals have been held at Wembley since 2008, diverging from past traditions of using various neutral venues across England. The FA implemented this change partly to finance the stadium through Club Wembley packages, which guarantee ticket access for members. Guardiola noted, “One day maybe the FA Cup will play here in the north. They will come here to Old Trafford, the Etihad, Anfield or Goodison Park.”

Guardiola empathized with fans feeling the economic strain, stating, “I understand completely it’s not easy for them. We would love [them to attend], but I understand they don’t come.” He pledged that City would play for those unable to attend the final. City has played at Wembley as a neutral venue 28 times since its opening 18 years ago.

In the wake of reported distress surrounding Kevin De Bruyne‘s contract situation, Guardiola acknowledged the Belgian player’s potential departure at the season’s end. “The feelings that he has, and all the players have, I understand completely,” Guardiola said. “He behaves unbelievably all these years…and it will happen until the end.” De Bruyne has won 16 trophies during his time with City and aims for a third FA Cup title.

As City heads into the match against Forest, the team must navigate these layered concerns—both for the current season and for players like De Bruyne. Guardiola concluded, wishing personal success for his players, saying, “I wish personally for him and his family all the best.”