Reds get to defend Champions League

European football's governing body voted unanimously to give Liverpool a place in the qaulifying stages of the tournament, but will get less television money than the other Premiership teams should they reach the group stages.

Liverpool will be entered into the competition with no country protection, so they may be drawn against Everton or Manchester United in the third qualifying round, or Arsenal or Chelsea in the group stages.

Rafael Benitez's men will now face a first qualifying round first leg on 12/13 July and a second leg on 19/20 July, so will have to cancel pre-seaon friendlies and if they progress in the competition will have to cancel their Japan tour.

"Unanimous means that everybody is supporting it," confirmed Uefa chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson. "By definition, that is also the case here.

"There were no discussions actually on where they should enter the competition because everybody was of the opinion they should be given the opportunity but they have to start from the beginning.

"They could not be allowed to get into the 32 for example."