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What Chelsea, Newcastle and Man City need to qualify for the Champions League

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Chelsea, Newcastled United, and Manchester City gained a clearer picture of their Champions League qualification prospects following Sunday’s Premier League action.

Nottingham Forest kept their top-four hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over West Ham, while Arsenal sealed their place in next season’s competition thanks to a narrow win over Newcastle.

Forest’s surprise push for Champions League football had appeared to stall after winning just once in their previous six matches. However, they delivered an improved display at the London Stadium, defeating a struggling West Ham side that had recently upset Manchester United.

Morgan Gibbs-White opened the scoring in the 11th minute, continuing his impressive season. Nikola Milenkovic then doubled Forest’s lead with a powerful second-half header before Jarrod Bowen scored a late consolation for the hosts.

That result moved Nottingham Forest to 65 points in seventh place ahead of the season finale. The club remains in contention to overtake Manchester City, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Newcastle United depending on how the final fixtures unfold. Forest’s 19th win of the season reignited their Champions League pursuit at the perfect moment.

Later in the day, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Newcastle thanks to Declan Rice’s curling effort. That result confirmed the Gunners’ Champions League qualification for the 2025-26 season.

With England’s strong UEFA co-efficient this season, the Premier League’s top five and the Europa League winner—either Manchester United or Tottenham—will all qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The table currently sees Liverpool top with 83 points and two games remaining, followed by Arsenal on 71, then Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa all tied on 66 points. Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are just behind on 65, though City still have two games left.

For Arsenal, a single point from their remaining matches will officially guarantee a Champions League spot, though they could still qualify even without adding to their total depending on other results. They’ll face Newcastle on May 18 and Southampton on May 25.

Chelsea can confirm their Champions League place with a win over Nottingham Forest on May 25. A draw might be enough if either Manchester City or Aston Villa fail to win, while even a loss could still see them through if other results are favorable.

Newcastle also just need a win against Everton on the final day to secure their place, though they too might qualify with a draw or even a loss under certain conditions.

Manchester City, on the other hand, need to beat both Bournemouth and Fulham to guarantee a Champions League spot. Securing four points would likely be enough, but anything less could see Pep Guardiola’s team drop into the Europa League instead.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s manager Nuno Espirito Santo described the final week of the campaign as one to savor, saying the team will prepare well to face Chelsea. Star midfielder Gibbs-White emphasized the importance of giving their all, calling it a “do or die” moment with Champions League football still within reach.

Paul Merson, a former Arsenal star, stressed the significance of finishing second, saying a late-season drop to third or fourth could hurt the team’s momentum heading into the summer. Arsenal, currently second in the standings, are aiming to maintain that position for a third consecutive season.

Elsewhere, the Europa League spots remain open. The sixth-placed Premier League side and the FA Cup winner will qualify. Manchester City currently hold sixth, but have work to do to hold off challengers. Crystal Palace, having won the FA Cup against City, will feature in Europe next season under Oliver Glasner.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

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