Champions League lifeline for Liverpool

Last updated : 09 May 2005 By Kevin Smith
Lennart Johansson has spoken about the situation and believes the European Cup holders should be allowed to defend their title.

"Let's deal with it when we know the facts after the final of the Champions League," he told Sky Sports.

"And then see to it that we are crystal clear that the champion must always be given its opportunity to defend the title.

"That we see to it in the future that we have rules and regulations that are understandable from the very beginning.

"In the view of the reactions that came now, I personally, on one hand, think that someone has qualified under the present regulations for the next Champions League and, on the other hand, I understand the champions like to defend its title.

"If the association (FA) would like to do so, if they are taking contact with us, they should make a proposal that would mean extending the number of teams from England in the Champions League next time from four to five."