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      Barcelona announce positive coronavirus test at training ground just two days before Champions League clash vs Bayern

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      BARCELONA have announced that Jean-Clair Todibo has tested positive for coronavirus.
      The Spanish giants are scheduled to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals on Friday.

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      Barcelona’s first team are training for their clash against Bayern Munich in the Champions League – but a player outside this group has tested positive for coronavirusCredit: Handout – Getty
      The player was not initially named, but Todibo later confirmed the news on Twitter.
      A club statement read: “Following PCR tests conducted this Tuesday afternoon on the group of nine players due to begin the preseason today, one of them has tested positive for COVID-19.
      “The player has no symptoms, is in good health and has been quarantined at his home.
      “The club has reported the matter to the relevant sporting and health authorities.

      “All persons who have been in contact with the player have been tracked to perform the corresponding PCR tests.
      “The player has not been in contact with any of the senior team players who are scheduled to travel to Lisbon this Thursday to compete in the Champions League.”
      Later in the day, Todibo tweeted: “Hello everyone, I inform you that I have tested positive for Covid-19, I am asymptomatic and I feel fine.
      “I am at home following the proper health protocol.

      “I really want to go back to training, but now it’s time to stay home until the virus is over.
      “Thank you all for the support and encouragement to all the people who are also experiencing it closely.”
      ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
      Spain has recently been hit with a spike in coronavirus cases that has prompted the UK government to tighten restrictions on travel there.
      People have to quarantine for 14 days if they head to Spain on returning to the UK.
      There have been 373,692 reported cases of the virus in Spain, with 28,581 deaths.
      On Tuesday French giants PSG confirmed a positive coronavirus test at the club’s training ground – just 24 hours before their Champions League quarter-final.
      PSG tweeted: “Tests have revealed that a player at the Paris Saint-Germain training centre has tested positive for Covid-19.
      “In accordance with the health protocol in force, the player has been isolated from the rest of the group and other tests will be carried out soon.

      “In agreement with the Versailles club (N3), the friendly match which was to take place against the U19 team was therefore cancelled.”
      It is therefore understood the player is not part of the first team.
      Fortunately for Thomas Tuchel’s squad, they are already in Lisbon making their final preparations to take on Atalanta tonight.

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      PSG announce positive coronavirus test at their training ground just 24 hours before Atalanta clash in Champions League

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN confirmed a positive coronavirus test at the club’s training ground – just 24 hours before their Champions League quarter-final.
      The French champions made the announcement of the anonymous player’s result on Tuesday afternoon.

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      Paris Saint-Germain, with the first team pictured in Lisbon ahead of the Champions League quarter-final, confirmed a positive coronavirus test back at the club’s training groundCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      PSG tweeted: “Tests have revealed that a player at the Paris Saint-Germain training centre has tested positive for Covid-19.
      “In accordance with the health protocol in force, the player has been isolated from the rest of the group and other tests will be carried out soon.
      “In agreement with the Versailles club (N3), the friendly match which was to take place against the U19 team was therefore cancelled.”
      It is therefore understood the player is not part of the first team.

      Fortunately for Thomas Tuchel’s squad, they are already in Lisbon making their final preparations to take on Atalanta tonight.
      The team trained at the Estadio Da Luz yesterday and could have Kylian Mbappe available after an ankle injury.
      Midfielder Marco Verratti is expected to miss the game with a calf injury while Angel Di Maria is suspended.
      Due to coronavirus’ incubation period where carriers are asymptomatic, it could cause concern for the senior side – although they will be continually tested throughout the festival of football in the Portuguese capital.

      Atletico Madrid, who would face PSG if both teams will their quarters this week, were also rocked by a coronavirus outbreak this week.
      But for Diego Simeone’s side, the positive tests were within the first team as Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko caught the disease.
      Both players will therefore miss the LaLiga side’s clash against RB Leipzig on Thursday and have not travelled from Madrid.

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      Linfield set for Champions League bye after KF Drita’s entire squad were placed in quarantine over coronavirus outbreak

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      NORTHERN Ireland champions Linfield are set to get a bye through to the next round of the Champions League – because their Kosovan opponents have a Covid-19 outbreak.
      Linfield were due to play KF Drita in a preliminary round tie on neutral territory in Uefa’s home town of Nyon, Switzerland.

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      Linfield look set to get a bye in the Champions League with their opponents hit by coronavirusCredit: Pacemaker Press
      But after a second Drita player tested positive – despite the whole squad having passed Covid-19 tests before flying to Switzerland, the Swiss health authorities ordered the entire travelling club staff into quarantine.
      With the winners of the tie due to play Polish champions Legia Warsaw in the first round next Tuesday, Uefa are expected to announce Linfield will go through by default.
      Meanwhile, Celtic’s next two games have been postponed after defender Boli Bolingoli travelled to coronavirus-hit Spain without the club’s knowledge.
      The Scottish Premiership games against St Mirren on Wednesday night and Saturday’s home game against Aberdeen will be delayed.

      Following Bolingoli’s Spain trip, Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that “we shouldn’t expect to see Celtic or Aberdeen play over the course of the coming week.”

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      Celtic’s next two games are postponed following a breach of rules by Boli BolingoliCredit: AP:Associated Press
      And a further statement from the government confirmed that their next two games will not take place on the scheduled dates.
      Sturgeon said at a press conference: “I don’t want the season to be in jeopardy.
      “I don’t want people who are not responsible for this to pay the price but we have to be very clear that this situation is not acceptable.

      “We’ll set out the conclusion of the talks later today but as a minimum, you should not expect to see Aberdeen or Celtic play over the course of the coming week.
      “By putting this is as clearly as I can in language that the football world will understand, consider today the yellow card.
      “The next time it will be the red card because you will leave us with absolutely no choice.”

      There have now been TWO breaches just weeks into the new season.
      Bolingoli’s actions come just a week after two Aberdeen stars tested positive for the virus.
      Six others were forced to quarantine for 14 days after visiting a pub after the Dons game against Rangers.

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      Celtic’s clashes vs St Mirren and Aberdeen DELAYED after ‘stupid’ Bolingoli breaks Covid rules for secret Spain trip

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      CELTIC’s next two games have been POSTPONED after defender Boli Bolingoli travelled to coronavirus-hit Spain without the club’s knowledge.
      The Scottish Premiership games against St Mirren on Wednesday night and Saturday’s home game against Aberdeen will be delayed.

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      Celtic star Boli Bolingoli could have put the whole of Scottish football at risk of Covid-19Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Following Bolingoli’s Spain trip, Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that “we shouldn’t expect to see Celtic or Aberdeen play over the course of the coming week.”
      And a further statement from the government confirmed that their next two games will not take place on the scheduled dates.
      Sturgeon said at a press conference: “I don’t want the season to be in jeopardy.
      “I don’t want people who are not responsible for this to pay the price but we have to be very clear that this situation is not acceptable.

      “We’ll set out the conclusion of the talks later today but as a minimum, you should not expect to see Aberdeen or Celtic play over the course of the coming week.
      “By putting this is as clearly as I can in language that the football world will understand, consider today the yellow card.
      “The next time it will be the red card because you will leave us with absolutely no choice.”
      There have now been TWO breaches just weeks into the new season.

      Bolingoli’s actions come just a week after two Aberdeen stars tested positive for the virus.
      Six others were forced to quarantine for 14 days after visiting a pub after the Dons game against Rangers.
      Aberdeen’s game against Hamilton tomorrow is also off.
      Celtic say it is ‘difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action’ after Bolingoli travelled abroad.
      The Hoops are livid with the full-back after he failed to inform them of his trip before failing to quarantine upon his return to Glasgow.
      Bolingoli has apologised for his actions and the club say they will now apologise to every SPFL club and say the player will be disciplined.

      It is difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action in current circumstances and we find it beyond explanation
      Celtic Spokesperson

      A statement read: “Celtic Football Club unreservedly condemns and apologises for the behaviour of the player Boli Bolingoli in travelling to Spain without informing the club and in failing to observe quarantine restrictions.
      “It is difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action in current circumstances and we find it beyond explanation.
      “The club will take immediate action through our own disciplinary procedures.
      “Celtic are in touch with every SPFL club today, and with all relevant authorities, to apologise for the fact that one of our employees has created so much additional difficulty through his actions.
      “All of our playing and backroom staff have been tested twice for Covid-19 since this incident and all, including the player in question, have tested negative.
      “While this comes as a relief to all concerned, it in no way diminishes the seriousness or stupidity of the player’s actions.
      “Since the Covid -19 crisis began, we have had a safe and healthy squad of players, recording not one positive test.
      “As a club, we have worked tirelessly to ensure a sustained, safe environment for all.
      “We have led the way in working with the football authorities and Scottish Government to establish the most rigorous, effective protocols and working practices, which ultimately led to the resumption of football.
      “We could have done no more in this area.
      “It is a matter of the deepest regret to us that the behaviour of one individual has jeopardised that reputation and reflected discredit on football more generally.”
      The Scottish FA also put out a statement through their Joint Response Group.
      It read: While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable.
      “The JRG members were astounded to learn of the recklessness demonstrated by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in his breach of government public health guidance and football protocols.

      “We echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in their condemnatory statement and commend the club’s swiftness in opening a disciplinary investigation.
      “That this comes on the back of eight Aberdeen players showing similar disregard for public health is disrespectful not just to every football team-mate, fellow player and colleague but also to every fan in this country.
      “It is also hugely damaging to the image, reputation and sustainability of the game

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      Nicola Sturgeon could even decide to suspend Scottish football after the Celtic star’s foolishnessCredit: AFP

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      Unsurprisingly, Celtic have slammed the actions of their Belgian footballerCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Furious first minister Nicola Sturgeon slams eight Aberdeen stars for ‘blatantly breaking rules’ and says they risk Scottish football’s return More

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      Celtic star Boli Bolingoli broke strict quarantine rules with secret trip to Spain before playing against Kilmarnock

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      CELTIC ace Boli Bolingoli is under investigation by raging club chiefs after sneaking off on holiday to Spain in defiance of strict Covid-19 quarantine rules.
      Bolingoli, 25, didn’t tell Hoops bosses he’d been to the high-risk country, failed to isolate when he returned — then played in Sunday’s game against Kilmarnock.

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      Celts star Bolingoli is under investigation by the club after secret tripCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

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      Celts defender trains after return from SpainCredit: SNS Group
      The defender  – who has since tested negative for the virus – said: “I have made a huge mistake. I want to apologise to my manager, my team mates, the supporters, everyone at Celtic and so many others for letting them down so badly.
      “I am guilty of a major error of judgement. I know what I did was wrong and I know that I must now deal with the consequences.”
      He came on as a sub in the 87th minute of Sunday’s draw away against Kilmarnock.
      This could have seen him potentially infecting the Killie players and staff.

      After learning of the trip raging Celtic bosses hauled him in for a heated meeting at Parkhead yesterday.
      Celtic chiefs were said to be furious when they found out about Bolingoli’s blunder.
      The club has now launched an internal probe.

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      The football star took secret trip to Spain without the club’s knowledgeCredit: Alamy
      A spokesman said: “Celtic Football Club has taken its response to Covid-19 extremely seriously and we are pleased that, to date, we have recorded no positive tests.

      “Our staff have given so much in this area, working tirelessly to ensure that all players and other club personnel are safe, fully aware of their own responsibilities and familiar with all guidance and protocols.
      “Safety must always be our priority.
      “Clearly, a full investigation will now take place and the Club will take all appropriate action.
      “Subsequent to the player’s return he has recorded two negative tests in the past week.”

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      Bolingoli arrives at Rugby Park ahead of Kilmarnock clashCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

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      Hoops ace on bench with team-mates against KillieCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

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      The left-back came on as second half sub in Sunday’s drawCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      It’s understood the player immediately held his hands up to the error which is also sure to have further enraged Nicola Sturgeon.
      Last week she blasted eight Aberdeen stars who breached the lockdown rules and visited a boozer on August 1.
      They went to the Soul bar which was later linked to the city’s spike in coronavirus cases.
      The players are all now self-isolating after two tested positive for Covid-19.
      The First Minister said: “They blatantly broke the rules that had been agreed between the SFA, the SPFL, and the Scottish Government, which, to put it mildly, is completely unacceptable.
      “Football has been given the go-ahead on the strict condition that clubs and players abide by the guidance that has been agreed.”
      And she also hinted that a further breach could see her pull the plug the return of Scottish footie.
      She said: “They put at risk the return of the professional game. To say this incident is deeply regrettable is an understatement.
      “I’m pretty furious about this situation, because it shouldn’t have happened. If that guidance is not going to be adhered to then all bets are off.”

      The Dons’ clash with St Johnstone in Perth on Saturday was postponed to avoid the virus potentially being spread to the city.
      Lockdown measures have already been reintroduced in Aberdeen as the number of cases in the area grew.
      Bolingoli’s gaffe comes just a week after Celtic carpeted striker Leigh Griffiths for breaching social distancing rules after throwing a party for his girlfriend. 
      But his manager Neil Lennon later said: “I’m not convinced it’s a big issue.”
      Bolingoli joined the Hoops from Rapid Vienna in July 2019.
      He made 28 appearances for the club last season.
      Sunday was his first run out of the new term.

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      Lionel Messi sleeps on £900 ‘anti-coronavirus mattress’ that ‘kills Covid-19 in four hours’

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      LIONEL MESSI has reportedly taken steps to protect his wife and children from coronavirus with his latest purchase.
      The Barcelona star is said to be among the footballers who have acquired a mattress that claims to remove all traces of Covid-19 in just four hours.

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      Lionel Messi is said to kip on a new anti-coronavirus mattressCredit: AFP or licensors

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      The Argentine superstar reportedly splashed out £900 on the protective bed
      Multiple Spanish reports claim the 33-year-old now rests his head on Tec Moon’s latest anti-coronavirus mattress.
      The company, which boasts Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez as an ambassador, also allegedly services Messi’s Argentine team-mate Sergio Aguero’s nighttime needs.
      Supposedly, the £900 mattress’ appeal is that that if an infected person sleeps on it, all traces of coronavirus are removed from the bed.
      The system, called “Viruclean”, apparently uses nanoparticles embedded in the tissues to wipe away over 99 percent of viruses and bacteria.

      Depending on the model, these mattresses also have other functions such as foot massage which would help protect Messi’s nifty feet.

      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been very proactive in his efforts to help combat coronavirus in recent months.
      Back in May, Messi donated £440,000 to help the battle against the deadly bug in Argentina.
      The Barcelona skipper also agreed a pay cut on his wage alongside his team-mates at the Nou Camp.

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      Atletico Madrid confirm Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko tested positive for coronavirus and will not play vs RB Leipzig

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      ATLETICO MADRID have named Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko as the two players who tested positive for coronavirus.
      And the pair will miss the LaLiga side’s Champions League quarter-final with RB Leipzig on Thursday as a result.

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      Atletico have confirmed Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko as the two players who tested positive for coronavirus
      Diego Simeone’s side are set to take on the Germans in Lisbon as they look to reach the semi-finals.
      But their preparations have been thrown into disarray as Croatian Vrsaljko, 28, and Argentine Correa, 25, tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday.
      An Atletico statement read: “The first team and members of the coaching staff underwent new tests yesterday.
      “The result of which has been negative in all of them, after the appearance of two positive cases in the tests carried out on Saturday.

      “Following the health protocol, tests were also performed on relatives living with the two positive cases, all of which were also negative.
      “The club’s medical services have received authorisation in both cases to reveal their identity and end the speculation.
      “The first team will return to training this afternoon with the absence of Ángel Correa, who remains isolated at his home without presenting symptoms.
      “And Sime Vrsaljko, who was recovering from an injury outside the group, is also asymptomatic and will remain at home.

      “However, his case is considered as resolved by the health authorities as he has generated antibodies several months ago.”

      The Spanish side have been cleared to fly to Portugal tomorrow having had to delay their original flight which was scheduled for tonight.
      Their planned training session this morning was postponed as they awaited the results.
      But after Simeone and the rest of his squad were given the green light, they were able to train this afternoon and will jet off tomorrow morning.
      The news was a huge relief for Uefa who faced the embarrassing prospect of potentially awarding the tie to the German side if Atletico were unable to fulfil the fixture. 
      Uefa announced that President Aleksander Ceferin and his general secretary Theodore Theodoridis will take regular Covid-19 tests to ensure they can hand over the Europa League, Champions League and Women’s Champions League trophies and medals.
      Atletico’s last Champions League game was the 3-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield on March 11.
      That fixture came just 12 days before lockdown was introduced in the UK.
      One scientist said that fixture – along with Cheltenham Festival – led to an increase in coronavirus deaths in the UK.

      Professor Tim Spector, from King’s College London, said the two events held in March had “caused increased suffering and death that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred”.
      Some 52,000 people crammed into Anfield that night, including 3,000 Atleti fans who had travelled from Madrid.
      By that time in Spain, attendances at sporting events had already been suspended.

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      BBC pundit Eni Aluko cries in court after ignoring coronavirus quarantine rules while on holiday at Barbados hotel

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      FORMER England women’s football star Eni Aluko cried in court after breaking coronavirus quarantine rules in Barbados.
      The 33-year-old travelled out of her hotel before she had received her test results after arriving in the Caribbean.

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      Eni Aluko was seen crying outside court after she broke coronavirus quarantine rules in BarbadosCredit: BackGrid

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      Eni Aluko outside court in BarbadosCredit: BackGrid
      Distraught Aluko told a court on the island that she was confused by the rules and didn’t realise that she had to wait for her results before leaving the hotel.
      The test for Covid-19 eventually came back negative. There has been 138 confirmed cases of the virus in Barbados with seven deaths.
      The idyllic isle is testing all people entering from high-risk and medium-risk countries.
      The UK is on the “medium risk” list, and the Barbados government website states that after being tested at the airport, people should “await results at a designated holding hotel/villa at your own expense”.

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      The former England footballer claims she was left confused about the restrictionsCredit: BackGrid

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      Aluko was not issued a fine, but wanted to pay one anyway as she ‘felt bad’Credit: BackGrid
      Barbados newspaper Nation News reports her tearfully telling the court: “I came here on the basis that there were more relaxed rules. I love Barbados.
      “I came here in 2015. I came here for vacation. I would never, ever try to break any rules.
      “I understand that I should have waited on the test. I didn’t think I had to, I thought I had to wait a maximum of time.
      “Marriotts said there was a delay to the results and then they let me go.

      “Honestly, your worship, if they had stopped me from leaving I would have complied.”

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      The 33-year-old chats with her lawyer and an officer before heading into courtCredit: BackGrid

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      Aluko originally pleaded not guilty, but changed thatCredit: BackGrid
      PLEA CHANGE
      Aluko, who now works for Aston Villa as women’s sporting director, originally pleaded not guilty but then changed her plea to guilty.
      Despite the magistrate accepting her version of events and not issuing a fine, Aluko said that she wanted to pay something as she “felt really bad”.
      Aluko, who has been a regular pundit on the BBC and Amazon Prime, is staying at the five-star adults-only Little Arches Hotel in Christ Church Parish.
      Prices start from £228-a-night at the boutique hotel.
      Aluko also made headlines last month when she criticised people placed on the Government’s furlough scheme amid the coronavirus crisis.
      Aluko took to Twitter to suggest that furloughing “is needed but has created a culture of do-nothing entitlement” – attracting widespread criticism.
      She was called-out for her comments by ex-Chelsea team-mate Bethany England.
      Aluko later deleted a number of her posts, set her Twitter account to private and said sorry for “any offence caused”.

      Aluko, England’s joint-10th most-capped player, scored 33 goals in 102 appearances for the Lionesses and helped her country to third place at the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
      But back in 2017 the Football Association paid Aluko £40,000 after she claimed she was bullied by coaching staff.
      Former England boss Mark Sampson was found guilty of racially abusing both Aluko and Drew Spence, having been cleared twice previously.

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      Eni Aluko pleaded guilty to breaking coronavirus quarantine laws in Barbados and then broke down in courtCredit: Press Association

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      Aluko made an incredible 102 appearances for England during her careerCredit: AFP

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