Full AFCON 2017 Qualifiers Draws

The 2017 African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2017, and group qualifiers have been drawn and Nigeria is set to play seven time winners Egypt in Group G.

Gabon has been confirmed as the host country for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Libya had been initially selected to stage the competition, but its hosting rights were withdrawn in August last year due to the unstable security situation in the country.

2015 winners Ivory Coast will play Sudan in Group I. The draws were made in Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday. Nigeria failed to qualify for AFCON 2015 but won the previous edition in 2013.

The groups in full:

Group A: Liberia, Djibouti, Tunisia, Togo

Group B: CAR, Madagascar, DRC, Angola

Group C: Benin, Mali, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan

Group D: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Comoros Island, Comoros

Group E: Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Congo Brazzaville, Zambia

Group F: Sao Tome, Cape Verde, Morocco, Libya

Group G: Tanzania, Chad, Nigeria, Egypt

Group H: Rwanda, Mauritius, Mozambique, Ghana

Group I: Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Gabon

Group J: Seychelles, Lesotho, Algeria, Ethiopia

Group K: Burundi, Namibia, Senegal, Namibia

Group L: Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Guinea, Malawi

Group M: Gambia, Mauritania, Cameroon, South Africa

Nigeria’s first match will be against Chad in Nigeria on 12th of June 2015.

Nigerians on social media have also reacted to Nigeria’s chances of qualification. The general tone shows that the populace hope Nigeria can qualify from a relatively easy group with Egypt thought to be the only Nation with a serious threat.

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Mexico bans players from having sex at the World Cup

Mexican coach Miguel Herrera has banned his players from having sex during the World Cup tournament which starts in a few weeks in Brazil.

Speaking with Reforma newspaper, the coach instructed his players to stay focused at the tournament.

‘If a player cannot endure a month or 20 days without having intercourse, then you are not prepared to be a professional. Let’s play a World Cup; we’re not going to a party, ‘ Herrera said.

Mexico will face hosts Brazil in Group A alongside Croatia and Cameroon.

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PHOTOS: Footballer dies after Horror Tackle during Indonesian Premier League Match

A footballer has died from the injury he suffered on the pitch following a horror challenge during an Indonesian Premier League match.

Persiraja striker Akli Fairuz (in orange) was injured after taking a boot to the body from PSAP Sigli goalkeeper Agus Rahman as the pair raced for the ball in the area.

Players, clearly incensed by the tackle, clashed on the pitch while the referee had to be moved away by security.

Fairuz was substituted but managed to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines. However, the attacker later took a turn for the worse and had to be admitted to hospital. It was soon discovered that Fairus had suffered bladder leakage and, a few days after the match, passed away from his internal injuries. Sad. May his soul rest in peace. Continue to see more photos…

Culled from UK Daily Mail

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Nigerian Supporters Club Demand For 62 Million Condoms For FIFA 2014

The Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club (NFSSC) on Monday demanded for the provision of 62 million condoms for fans attending the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Rafiu Ladipo, President-General of NFSSC, who made the demand in Abuja, appealed to the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) to take the demand very seriously.

Nigeria Football Supporters Club in South Africa Nigeria Football Supporters Club in South Africa Ladipo’s appeal came on the heels of assurance by Bilali Camara, UNAIDS Country Director, that two million condoms would be provided for the entire duration of the 2014 World Cup.

He said instead of two million for the entire duration, UNAIDS should provide two million condoms each day for the 31-day tournament.

“Of all football loving fans all around the world, I alone will be taking over 10,000 fans to Brazil, not only from Nigeria.

“You know that Nigeria will be playing their first three matches and there is going to be a match between Nigeria and Argentina.“By the time we play that match, we will regard it as the match that will also qualify us to play Brazil in Rio de Janeiroduring the final.

“If that is achieved, we want to be protected; we must be protected.`So, I want to urge you (UNAIDS) to provide more condoms,’’ he added.

According to him, it is important for UNAIDS to look into the request to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS during the World Cup.

He said the availability of condoms would help protect football fans who might want to made love in Brazil after their daily assignment.

Nigeria is drawn in Group F alongside Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Mundial, which kicks off on June 12. (NAN)

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PHOTOS: Meet NFL's First Openly Gay Player - Michael Sam

Michael Sam, an All-American defensive end who played for the University of Missouri, made history on Saturday after he got drafted into the NFL. Making him the first openly gay player in the history of the league. Sam was picked by the Rams in the seventh and final round, the 249th of 256 players selected.

24 year old Michael Sam had announced in February that he was gay during an interview with sports channel ESPN saying:

"I'm Michael Sam. I'm a football player and I'm gay. I just want to own my truth before anyone breaks a story about me."

So when it was time to receive the news of his drafting, same ESPN filmed a tearful Sam receiving the call from St Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher to tell him that he had been selected to be a part of the team. Unable to contain his emotions, Sam turned to his boyfriend, Vito Cammisano, and the pair shared a kiss live on air; a kiss that has sparked many social media debates and gotten a player who tweeted that this was horrible suspended.

See the pictures after the cut.

WARNING: Some of you may find the photos disturbing...

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Osaze, Yobo make Nigeria’s 30-man Provisional Squad for Brazil 2014

The invited players will resume camp in May ending before a final list of 23 players will be selected for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on Tuesday announced Nigeria’s provisional 30-man list for the FIFA 2014 World Cup.

The list, submitted by Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, was read on Tuesday evening by a member of the Technical Committee of the NFF, Paul Bassey.

Some of the players who made the list includes Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Vincent Enyeama, Sunday Mba, and Ahmed Musa; all of whom were in the Nigerian side that won the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

Apart from the regulars, players who had hitherto fallen out with Keshi also made the list. These includes Osaze Odemwingie and Joseph Yobo.

The invited players will resume camp on May 26 before a final list of 23 players will be selected for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

See the full list below:

Nigeria Squad for FIFA 2014 World Cup
Goal Keepers – Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim (Gombe Utd), Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves).

Defenders – Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders – John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Ejike Uzoenyi (Rangers Int’l), Sunday Mba, Gabriel Rueben, Nosa Igiebor, Joel Obi, Michael Uchebo.

Attackers – Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Emanuel Emenike, Victor Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie, Michael Babatunde, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Nwofor Uche.

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FIFA Bans Barcelona from Signing Players

FIFA today April 2nd banned Spanish football giants FC Barcelona from signing players till summer 2015 over rules breach relating to the international transfer and registration of players under 18.

According to reports, the club was investigated by FIFA for 12 months over their youth recruitment policy. And after FIFA found out that the club had been engaged in illegally recruiting and importing non-Spanish minors over a four year period, the world football governing body handed out the transfer ban and also fined the club £306,000. (450,000 Swiss francs).

FIFA also fined the Spanish FA £340,000 for allowing Barcelona to embark on a sustained and extended policy of what is viewed as child exploitation by the world governing body. Read FIFA’s statement below:

‘FC Barcelona has been found to be in breach of article 19 of the regulations in the case of 10 minor players and to have committed several other concurrent infringements in the context of other players.

The disciplinary committee regarded the infringements as serious and decided to sanction the club with a transfer ban at both national and international level for two complete and consecutive transfer periods, together with a fine of 450,000 Swiss francs.

'Additionally, the club was granted a period of 90 days in which to regularise the situation of all minor players concerned.’

’The disciplinary committee emphasised that the protection of minors in the context of international transfers is an important social and legal issue that concerns all stakeholders in football.‘

The committee highlighted that while international transfers might, in specific cases, be favourable to a young player’s sporting career, they are very likely to be contrary to the best interests of the player as a minor.‘

'Young football players are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse in a foreign country without the proper controls. This particular fact makes the protection of minors in football by the sport’s governing bodies, especially by FIFA, even more important.’

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New FIFA Ranking: See Nigeria's Latest Position

Football governing body, FIFA, on Thursday released the new world ranking for the month of February. Despite a goalless draw the Super Eagles recorded against Mexico in last week's international friendly, Nigeria remained in 47th spot as it was for the month of January.

Also, the Super Eagles continue to be ranked seventh in Africa behind Cote D’Ivoire, Algeria, Egypt, Cape Verde Islands, Ghana and Tunisia. Cameroon are the only World Cup-bound African team that is ranked below Eagles in the eight place.

Nigeria’s other World Cup Group F opponents are ranked higher, with Argentina being the third best ranked in the world while Bosnia-Herzegovina are in 21st spot and Iran are 42nd.

Spain continue to be the top ranked team in the world followed closely by Germany, while Portugal and Colombia retain the fourth and fifth spots.

World Cup hosts Brazil remain in the ninth spot.

February's ranking witnessed seen less movement than last month, with Spain, Germany, Argentina, Portugal and Colombia remaining unchanged in the top five spots.

Close behind them are Uruguay (6th, up 1) and Switzerland (7th, down 1), while Belgium (10th, up 1) have jumped up into the top ten at the expense of the Netherlands (11th, down 1). Meanwhile England (12th, up 3) and Russia (19th, up 3) have made good progress in the top 20.

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Stephen Keshi Named 24th Best Coach In The World

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has been named the 24th best national team coach in the world by The Institute of Football Coaching and Statistics. The listing, which is the latest by the body, also named the Head coach of Ghana Black Stars James Kwesi Appiahin the 42nd position.

Top of the list

The coach of the Spanish national team, Vincente Del Bosque tops the list with 25188 points followed by Germany Joachim Low with 21422 points. Oscar Tabarez of Uruguay placed 3rd, Italy Ceasre Prandelli came fourth, Netherlands Van Marwijk 5th, Jurgen Klinsmann 6th , Poalo Jorge Gomes of Portugal 7th.

Position

Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer is in the 29th position, while Algeria coach Vahid Halihodzic fell from previous 34th position to 41st.

Seasoned coaches like Laurent Blanc was named in 43rd place, Lars Lagerback, 47th, with Croatia Slaven Billic placing 50th.

The listings can be found HERE

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Top 10 Richest Player in the World

Cristiano Ronaldo was yesterday named the world's richest footballer after topping the annual list of players’ net worth compiled by global football media title Goal.com.

The Real Madrid forward just held off Barcelona rival Lionel Messi in the Goal Rich List 2014 with an estimated wealth of €148 million. Ronaldo has enjoyed a remarkable 12 months in which his value to club and country has been never been more evident.

He scored all four goals as Portugal beat Sweden in the World Cup play-offs, landed the 2013 Ballon d’Or and signed a record-breaking new five-year deal with Madrid.

Messi, who lost his Ballon d’Or crown to Ronaldo in January, came in second after inspiring Barcelona to the Spanish title and signing up for a range of lucrative endorsements.

The Goal Rich List is collated by a team of analysts and takes into account all streams of revenue for active footballers over the course of their careers.

Ronaldo succeeds David Beckham who led the way in the 2013 Goal Rich List but called time on his playing career in May 2013.

Only current professionals are eligible with the earnings of more than 200 contenders assessed before Goal’s experts finalised on their selection.

Wayne Rooney makes the top four on the list following Manchester United’s decision to offer him the biggest contract in British football history, worth €365,000 a week. Neymar’s controversial transfer to Barcelona sees him rise sharply in the standings to sixth, with his parents’ €40m ‘compensation’ payment included in Goal’s figures due to its game-changing significance. The rest of the list is made up of global superstars, who have accrued huge wealth over significant spells at the top of the professional game. Chelsea’s Samuel Eto’o is at number three,ahead of Rooney, thanks largely to the millions he earned at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, with Kaka, Ronaldinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gianluigi Buffon and Thierry Henry completing the top 10.

Goal Rich List 2014 – Top 10
1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid €148m (£122m)

2. Lionel Messi, Barcelona €146m (£120.5m)

3. Samuel Eto’o, Chelsea €85m (£70m)

4. Wayne Rooney, Manchester United €84m (£69m)

5. Kaka, AC Milan €82m (£67.5m)

6. Neymar & family, Barcelona €80m (£66m)

7. Ronaldinho, Atletico Mineiro €78m (£64m)

8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paris St-Germain €69m(£57m)

9. Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus €63m (£52m)

10. Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls €57m (£47m)

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PHOTOS: Nigerian Striker Michael Olaitan Collapses During a Football Match

Olympiakos striker Michael Olaitan collapsed during the first half of a 3-0 defeat by Athens rivals Panathinaikos in the Greek superleague.

The Nigerian under 20 striker, 21, was running off the ball when he fell to the ground.

Olaitan, who helped Olympiakos beat Manchester United 2-0 on 25 February, regained consciousness before being taken to hospital for tests and is now confirmed to be in a stable condition.

"I am pleased to inform everyone that after initial tests there is no sign of a serious medical condition," Olaitan's representative Paschalis Tountouris said..

"What appears to have happened is that Michael had a mild case of viral myocarditis. As a precautionary measure he will remain in hospital for the next few days to undergo further tests.

"The game was goalless when Olaitan collapsed but Olympiakos, the runaway league leaders, fell behind just before half-time and eventually lost 0-3.

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Puyol Set To Leave Barcelona

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol, 35, has announced on Tuesday that he will leave the club at the end of the season after a decorated 15-year career at the Camp Nou.

Puyol, who did not reveal whether he will continue playing elsewhere, has been plagued by injuries over the last couple of seasons and has undergone three knee operations.

“At the end of the season I will leave FC Barcelona.

The club are aware of this and we are in agreement,” he said.

“We will rescind the final two years of my contract that were still to run.”

Puyol signed a new deal with the club in January last year, but admitted in June that he would not stay if injuries continued to prevent him from playing a significant part on the field.

And having featured just 10 times this season in all competitions, he said it was time for a new challenge in a less physically demanding environment.

“After the last two operations it has been difficult for me to recover the level I need to be able to continue here, more than I expected and more than surgeons said. That is why I have taken this doesn't mean ecision.”

Puyol didn’t reveal where he would go at the end of the current campaign and insisted he will give everything in what remains of the season to help Barcelona succeed on three fronts.

“I am not leaving today, there are still three months of the season remaining and those that know me know that I will not give up until the end. I will continue fighting to help the team improve and achieve our objectives this season.

“I don’t know what I will do on June 30.

What I do know is that I will need time to rest. I have had four years without a break due to the injuries. That is what I will do and then we will see.

”The announcement brings to an end of an extraordinary career in the Barcelona first team that began in 1999.

Puyol is the club’s second most decorated player of all-time, behind only teammate Xavi Hernandez, having made 593 appearances.

After beginning life as a right-back, he was converted into one of the most successful centre-backs in world football over the past decade as he won three Champions Leagues and six La Liga titles with his boyhood club.

He was also a key part of the Spanish sides that won the European Championship in 2008 and the country's first World Cup in 2010, memorably heading home the goal that took his side to the final in South Africa with a 1-0 win over Germany.

“Carles is an example for everyone on and off the field,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said on Tuesday.

In total he has represented Spain 100 times with his last appearance coming in a 3-1 friendly win over Uruguay in February 2013, making him one of only eight players to have won a century of caps with LaRoja.

“He is a natural leader, a person that when you hear his name you think of Barcelona,” added former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, now of Bayern Munich.

“In the time I was there he was a reference on an off the pitch. Everyone knows him and whilst Puyol is in the world of football, he will be an example for everyone.”

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Alex Ferguson says David Moyes just Need Time at Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson: “ David Moyes needs time. I was there for 27 years, so with a new manager it takes time. But they’ll be OK.' Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Sir Alex Ferguson says that David Moyes just needs time at Manchester United and has backed his successor to succeed in the job.

Under Moyes United, champions last year in Ferguson's final season at Old Trafford, are 18 points off top spot in the Premier League, 12 points off fourth and 2-0 down to Olympiakos following the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

It has been a difficult start for the former Everton manager but Ferguson believes Moyes will eventually be a success.

"They [Manchester United] will be all right," said Ferguson, speaking at a gathering thrown by the British Consul-General Chris O'Connor in Los Angeles before Sunday night's Oscars. "It's early days and there have been a lot of changes.

"He needs time. I was there for 27 years, so with a new manager it takes time. But they'll be OK."

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Chelsea Set to Offload Mikel Obi at the End of the Season

John Mikel Obi’s days at Chelsea could be numbered as the club look set to offload the Nigeria international at the end of the season.

According to reports in England, Blues boss José Mourinho has informed Mikel he can leave the side for a small fee this summer.

The Premier League giants have already started looking for Mikel’s replacement, with Olympique Marseille’s Gianelli Imbula identified as a potential successor.

Mikel has become unsettled at Chelsea since the return of Mourinho to west London.

The midfielder, who was earlier linked with a move to Galatasary and AS Monaco, has fallen further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the January arrival of Nemanja Matic.

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Rio Ferdinand'omitted from Manchester United squad for training camp in Dubai' amid speculation he will retire

Rio Ferdinand has reportedly been omitted from Manchester United’s squad for a warm-weather training camp in Dubai — and is set to announce he will retire this summer.

It is understood United will make a statement on Thursday explaining the defender’s exclusion from the five-day trip to the Middle East.

Old Trafford boss David Moyes’ squad fly out after playing Arsenal at the Emirates tomorrow.

Yet Ferdinand, 35, will not be on board – and according to The Sun, he will now follow captain Nemanja Vidic in drawing down the curtain on his Red Devils career.

Ferdinand has started seven Premier League games this season and was an unused substitute as United struggled to a 2-2 draw with basement club Fulham on Sunday.

It is believed there have been no talks about a new deal when Ferdinand’s contract expires in June.

Vidic confirmed on Friday he will leave United and is now set to play in Serie A with Inter Milan. However, Ferdinand is said to be ready to quit football and pursue a media career.

The defender cost United a then club-record £29.1million from Leeds in 2002. He has made 445 appearances, winning six league titles, a Champions League, two League Cups and the Club World Cup — plus 81 England caps.

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PHOTOS: Arsenal’s Manager, Arsene Wenger, Takes a Hefty Tumble After Loss

Arsenal’s title challenge may not have fell flat on its face just yet after Manchester City’s slight slip-up at Norwich, but their manager did take a tumble on his way back from the 5-1 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger, so often the cool, calm and collected Frenchman, slipped on his way into Liverpool Lime Street Station after the loss.

Strolling through: Wenger arrives at Liverpool Lime Street Station after the defeat Slipped up: Wenger looks in pain as he takes a tumble coming into the station Helping hand: A police officer comes over to help Wenger back onto his feet Back on track: Another police officer helps Wenger with his bag as he is brought back up. It was just one of those days for Wenger, who saw his side go 4-0 down within 20 minutes at Anfield.

They improved, however, and ended up drawing the second period 1-1, but with a tough run-in over the next month, plenty more slip-ups are inevitable.

Arsenal’s next three games are Manchester United, Liverpool again in the FA Cup fifth round, and Bayern Munich, all at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger knows there needs to be a big improvement for Wednesday’s match against United.

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Brazillian Player, Maicon Pereira Dies in a Car Crash

Brazilian player, Maicon Pereira, currently playing on loan at Ukrainian league side Mariupol, has died in a car crash early hours of today in Ukraine.

In a statement which was released by the club, Shakhtar said that the 25-year old Brazilian, was a wonderful person. He was a talented footballer, open and friendly guy, the club added. It is a terrible bereavement for each of us.

He will be missed.

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Bayern Munich wants Manchester United’s Adnan in Exchange for Toni Kroos

Bayern Munich could be willing to negotiate with Manchester United for Toni Kroos, but want Adnan Januzaj in return, it has emerged.

United were known to be keen on signing Kroos in January after learning that he could soon be out of the picture at the Allianz Arena, and their cause has been boosted further by the news that he has stalled on signing a new contract at the club.

However, Bayern will not part with the German international easily, and will ask United for star youngster Januzaj as part of the deal.

The 19-year-old has been a revelation for the Red Devils this season after being handed a first-team breakthrough by manager David Moyes, and they will certainly be keen to keep hold of this special talent.

Although Moyes is a fan of Kroos, it seems likely that United will pursue other targets if Bayern are not willing to sell the player without asking for Januzaj in return.

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Nemanja Vidic to Leave Manchester United - David Moyes

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidicwill leave at the end of this season.

The 32-year-old Serbia defender, whose contract expires in the summer, made his United debut in 2006.

He told United’s website:

”I’m not considering staying in England as the only club I ever wanted to play for here is Manchester United.

“I never could have imagined winning 15 trophies. However, I have decided I will move on at the end of this season. I want to challenge myself again.”

I’ve got a few options to move on and I will choose the right one for me and for my family.

“I am now going to focus all my efforts on playing for Manchester United and do the best I can for the team until the end of the season. I hope this stops any further speculation about my future.”

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Ivanovic’s Piledriver Stuns Manchester City

Manchester City slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in what was their first home defeat of the 2013/2014 premier league season. Prior to Monday’s game, Man City had won 19 of their last 20 matches in all competitions and had scored in 61 successive top-flight fixtures at home, going back to a 0-0 stalemate with Birmingham City in November 2010.

Branislav Ivanovic’s sweet strike gave the Blues a deserved lead and, while they had to resist a late City surge, Jose Mourinho’s side were well worth the victory after a fine away performance. In reality, the margin of victory could have been more as the blues struck the woodwork thrice.

The result means Arsenal remain on top of the log with 14 matches left, two points clear of City, who are ahead of Chelsea on goal difference.

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