Reds to wait for UEFA decision

Last updated : 27 May 2005 By Adam Bryant
UEFA's executive committee will discuss the issue of allowing a fifth English side in the competition at their meeting in Manchester on June 17, but insist that they have no intention of awarding Liverpool a qualifying place at the expense of Everton.

"It's an exceptional situation, that follows an exceptional match and which we believe requires an exceptional solution," said FA chief executive Brian Barwick.

"What UEFA have, and I sympathise with them to a degree, is a situation where they are faced with not having their own champions in their own competition which is called the Champions League. I think in its own way that tells its own story.

"Liverpool finished outside the top four. I think the FA were right and proper to put the top four in to the Champions League. That's how teams kicked off in August, expecting a top-four finish to give them qualification or pre-qualification and that will not be changed."

Welsh champions TNS have already offered to play Liverpool for their qualification place, although this idea will almost certainly be rejected.