LONDON - The Football Association are pressing UEFA to allow Liverpool into next season's Champions League if they win this year's competition but finish outside the top four in the Premiership.
As the rules stand the English Football Association can only submit four teams - traditionally the first four in the Premiership - to Europe's top club competition, which means Liverpool will be unable to defend their title if they were to win and miss out on on a ticket via the league.
The last qualifying spot is currently occupied by Everton, who have a four-point lead over the Merseysiders with a game in hand.
FA chief executive Brian Barwick raised the matter with UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson last week, arguing in favour of five English teams qualifying for next season if Liverpool lift the trophy but finish outside the top four.
An FA spokesman confirmed on Monday: "We have begun discussions with UEFA and these will continue."
However, Olsson has indicated UEFA will stand firm and put the onus back onto the FA.
He told the Daily Express: "There is no way England can have more than four teams so in the first instance we would refer it to the English FA to make the decision if it arises.
"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 play Chelsea on Wednesday in the semi-final first leg.
If European football's governing body reject the case to grant Liverpool special dispensation then their only chance lies with the FA allowing Liverpol to play instead of the fourth-placed club.
04/25/2005 12:40 GMT