UEFA president in defence of the champions

CALLS for Liverpool to be allowed to defend the Champions League if they win the trophy in Istanbul have received massive support from UEFA’s president and a Liverpool legend.

UEFA president Lennart Johansson has repeated his views of a couple of weeks ago when he stated that a way could be found for Liverpool to be allowed back into next season's tournament as holders, despite not qualifying through the Premiership.

Johansson made that statement initially before the semi-final second leg with Chelsea, which saw Liverpool qualify for the May 25 final against AC Milan. But further comments from UEFA's director of communications William Gaillard threw some doubt.