Post by Taxigirl on Apr 25, 2005 6:53:18 GMT
skysports.planetfootball.com
by Alex Livie
Uefa have confirmed that The Football Association will have the final say on who will be England's fourth representative in the Champions League.
Everton are currently in pole position to claim the fourth and final spot through The Premiership, but the waters have been muddied as there is the possibility of Liverpool going all the way in this season's competition.
The rules as they stand mean that Liverpool would not be present in next year's draw, despite being holders, and this has led to suggestions that the criteria should be changed.
There have been suggestions that various legal challenges could be made by both sides, and Europe's governing body are prepared to leave the decision to The FA - although they favour entry through The Premiership.
"There is no way England can have more that four teams so in the first instance we would refer it to the English FA to make the decision if it arises," Uefa chief executive Lars Christer Olsen told the Daily Express.
"But normally I would say that it's more important if you are qualified through your national league position than if you have won the competition."
Liverpool will have to bypass the sizeable obstacle that is Chelsea if they are to keep their dreams of winning this season's competition alive - with the two sides set to meet in the first leg of their semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
by Alex Livie
Uefa have confirmed that The Football Association will have the final say on who will be England's fourth representative in the Champions League.
Everton are currently in pole position to claim the fourth and final spot through The Premiership, but the waters have been muddied as there is the possibility of Liverpool going all the way in this season's competition.
The rules as they stand mean that Liverpool would not be present in next year's draw, despite being holders, and this has led to suggestions that the criteria should be changed.
There have been suggestions that various legal challenges could be made by both sides, and Europe's governing body are prepared to leave the decision to The FA - although they favour entry through The Premiership.
"There is no way England can have more that four teams so in the first instance we would refer it to the English FA to make the decision if it arises," Uefa chief executive Lars Christer Olsen told the Daily Express.
"But normally I would say that it's more important if you are qualified through your national league position than if you have won the competition."
Liverpool will have to bypass the sizeable obstacle that is Chelsea if they are to keep their dreams of winning this season's competition alive - with the two sides set to meet in the first leg of their semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.