Nadir

Nadir · 26-05-2005, 08:32

Uefa has insisted it has no plans to change its rules to allow Liverpool to defend their Champions League crown.

The Reds finished fifth in the Premiership - a place outside automatic qualification for the Champions League.

"I fully sympathise with the club and I would love to have them in there - but we have rules," Uefa spokesman William Gaillard told BBC Radio Five Live.

"We can't change them in the middle of the season. The FA has said Everton are the fourth English club to qualify."

Gaillard insisted that the precedent set in the 2000-01 season, when Real Madrid defended the trophy despite finishing fifth because the Spanish football federation decided to hand them Real Zaragoza's place, would make no difference.

We believe there is widespread support for Liverpool to be involved and we intend to keep lobbying and campaiging
FA spokesman David Davies

But the English Football Assoctiation has pledged its support to Liverpool's quest for a Champions League place after the breathtaking win over AC Milan in Istanbul.

"We think there should be a place for Liverpool in next season's Champions League for sporting reasons - and also in the wider interests of European football," said the FA's David Davies.

"This is a case we've been arguing for some time and we'll go on raising it. I'm quite optimistic that over the next few days you will see a significant number of influential, non-English figures speaking out on Liverpool's behalf.

"We believe there is widespread support for Liverpool to be involved and we intend to keep lobbying and campaiging.

"There is a significant meeting of the Uefa committee on 17 June which just happens to be taking place in Manchester," added Davies.

It is called the Champions League so the champions should be able to defend it Steven Gerrard

And Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insisted his team should be allowed back into the Champions League next season.

"We have won the trophy. It is common sense that the winner should defend the title," said Benitez.

"It's quite unbelievable to even consider that a side who will play in the European Super Cup as well as the World Club Championship next season should not be allowed back into the Champions League."

Meanwhile, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has also made his own plea to Uefa: "Look at the support, the worldwide audience and the game.

"I think we have to be given a shot. We are worthy champions and I think that's what the world will say."

Liverpool get to keep the European Cup trophy after winning it for the fifth time by beating AC Milan on penalties.

But their participation in the competition has been in doubt since the Football Association decided that the top four in the Premiership would take up England's places next season.

Parry added: "At least we get to keep this one so they can't take it back off us if nothing else.

"You wouldn't have given a lot for our chances at half-time but the boys were absolutely magnificent.

"It's good to win it for the supporters because they were magnificent."

And Reds skipper Steven Gerrard added: "It is called the Champions League so the champions should be able to defend it."

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "Yes, I think they should be allowed to defend the title."

26-05-2005, 08:32	#1
Nadir Registered User Join Date: 05 1999	Liverpool Cannot Defend Title Uefa has insisted it has no plans to change its rules to allow Liverpool to defend their Champions League crown. The Reds finished fifth in the Premiership - a place outside automatic qualification for the Champions League. "I fully sympathise with the club and I would love to have them in there - but we have rules," Uefa spokesman William Gaillard told BBC Radio Five Live. "We can't change them in the middle of the season. The FA has said Everton are the fourth English club to qualify." Gaillard insisted that the precedent set in the 2000-01 season, when Real Madrid defended the trophy despite finishing fifth because the Spanish football federation decided to hand them Real Zaragoza's place, would make no difference. We believe there is widespread support for Liverpool to be involved and we intend to keep lobbying and campaiging FA spokesman David Davies But the English Football Assoctiation has pledged its support to Liverpool's quest for a Champions League place after the breathtaking win over AC Milan in Istanbul. "We think there should be a place for Liverpool in next season's Champions League for sporting reasons - and also in the wider interests of European football," said the FA's David Davies. "This is a case we've been arguing for some time and we'll go on raising it. I'm quite optimistic that over the next few days you will see a significant number of influential, non-English figures speaking out on Liverpool's behalf. "We believe there is widespread support for Liverpool to be involved and we intend to keep lobbying and campaiging. "There is a significant meeting of the Uefa committee on 17 June which just happens to be taking place in Manchester," added Davies. It is called the Champions League so the champions should be able to defend it Steven Gerrard And Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insisted his team should be allowed back into the Champions League next season. "We have won the trophy. It is common sense that the winner should defend the title," said Benitez. "It's quite unbelievable to even consider that a side who will play in the European Super Cup as well as the World Club Championship next season should not be allowed back into the Champions League." Meanwhile, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has also made his own plea to Uefa: "Look at the support, the worldwide audience and the game. "I think we have to be given a shot. We are worthy champions and I think that's what the world will say." Liverpool get to keep the European Cup trophy after winning it for the fifth time by beating AC Milan on penalties. But their participation in the competition has been in doubt since the Football Association decided that the top four in the Premiership would take up England's places next season. Parry added: "At least we get to keep this one so they can't take it back off us if nothing else. "You wouldn't have given a lot for our chances at half-time but the boys were absolutely magnificent. "It's good to win it for the supporters because they were magnificent." And Reds skipper Steven Gerrard added: "It is called the Champions League so the champions should be able to defend it." AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "Yes, I think they should be allowed to defend the title."