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THE SHOW GOES ON

Africa Cup of Nations set to go ahead as organisers deny plans to postpone tournament over Covid fears

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THE Confederation of African Football have strongly dismissed reports that claim the Africa Cup of Nations was going to be postponed or cancelled due to Coronavirus fears.

Reports made by an Egyptian journalist that AFCON would be shelved have been labelled 'fake news' and 'lies' by CAF.

Salah is AFCON's biggest star
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Salah is AFCON's biggest starCredit: GETTY IMAGES
Chelsea would have to rely on Kepa should Mendy play for Senegal
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Chelsea would have to rely on Kepa should Mendy play for SenegalCredit: GETTY IMAGES
Mahrez would certainly play for defending champions Algeria
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Mahrez would certainly play for defending champions AlgeriaCredit: GETTY IMAGES

In fact, talks over the Cameroon-based tournament being pushed back or European-based players not participating have 'never been discussed'.

Such decisions would see the tournament lose the majority of their most popular stars.

Liverpool trio Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita would all remain in England if the show went on without players who currently play in Europe.

As would Chelsea's Edouard Mendy and Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez.

CAF general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba is determined for the tournament to go ahead, and says he is 'not resting' to make sure it happens.

He said: "The meetings were important in getting a level of understanding on the state of readiness in Cameroon.

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"There is a lot of work that is being done. We have to continue with the same momentum. We cannot rest. We have to work around the clock.

"I'm not resting, the LOC cannot rest. CAF cannot rest. Everyone must join the efforts. We want to see a great TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations here in Cameroon in January next year.

"Together with the Minister of Sport, we discussed all the pending issues and the way forward."

SKY PLAN

Sky Sports announced on Wednesday morning they're scheduled to show all 53 AFCON games.

Sky Sports Director of Football, Gary Hughes said: ";This is excellent news for football fans, who love to watch the best players in the world including Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez.

"We're delighted to be adding this fantastic competition to our ever-expanding football offering in the UK & Ireland which already includes Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and FA Women's Super League as well as international action in the form of World Cup Qualifiers, placing Sky Sports as the home of live football."

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