Source :
http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/050605/4/bbdl.html
UEFA Will Find Liverpool Euro Solution
Sun 05 Jun, 1:09 PM
UEFA will endeavour to find a "positive" solution to Liverpool's quest to defend thier Champions League crown next season, according to a member of their executive committee.
Pressure has increased on European football's governing body in the past week to include the Reds in next season's competition following their stunning penalty shoot-out triumph over AC Milan in Istanbul.
The G14 elite European clubs group have added their voice to the clamour, while Football Association chairman Geoff Thompson - who is also a UEFA vice-president - has continued lobbying for there to be five English clubs in the 2005/2006 tournament so Liverpool can defend their crown.
The Anfield club will probably have to wait until the middle of the month before the issue is resolved by UEFA's 15-man executive committee at their meeting in Manchester on June 17.
UEFA president Lennart Johansson is understood to be broadly supportive, and his influence is extremely important though not necessarily decisive, with many executive committee members insisting the competition's rules must be adhered too.
"I feel the situation is very difficult," reflected Eggert Magnusson, who is also president of the Football Association of Iceland.
"I have always said this was a matter the [English] FA should have taken firmly, maybe two or three months ago when they faced the possibility Liverpool could be in the final or even win the competition.
"The regulations say it quite clearly that there can only be four teams from each nation, maximum, in the Champions League."
Magnusson added on BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek Programme: "UEFA is obviously looking into this matter very seriously.
"I think a lot of people within UEFA, within the executive committee, have a feeling in their heart for Liverpool, but the rules are there to be followed, and that is something we also have to stand by.
"This is being looked into and I am sure we will try to find a positive solution that everybody can be happy with.
"It is a difficult matter to solve and we are trying our best, so let's see what happens.
"My heart is with Liverpool, but I am also a believer that you have to stick to the regulations that are there already.
"The decision will be taken at the right time and by the right people.
"I think that [June 17] date could well be the crunch date because we obviously have a meeting there and we will sit [together] in Manchester."
Magnusson believes UEFA will now look to ensure this scenario is not allowed to happen again, where a team wins the European Cup, but does not qualify via their domestic league position.
"You have to face a situation like this before you look seriously into it," he said.
"Of course it happened some years ago, and the Spanish FA took a very firm decision, but this time I think people will have to look seriously into the consequences for the future."
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