FA boost for Reds' hopes

The Football Association has vowed to carry on the fight for Liverpool to be allowed to defend the Champions League title if they beat AC Milan and win the trophy in Istanbul.

UEFA president Lennart Johansson yesterday again hinted that a way could be found for the Reds to be allowed back into next season’s tournament as holders, despite not qualifying through the Barclays Premiership.

He urged the FA to make a written appeal to Europe’s top brass after stating “the champion must always be given the opportunity to defend the title”.

FA communications director Adrian Bevington responded by saying: “We have been very proactive on this matter.

“In the past three weeks [chief executive] Brian Barwick, [chairman] Geoff Thompson and other senior FA figures have spoken to [UEFA chief executive] Lars-Christer Olsson and Lennart Johansson on this matter, on more than one occasion.

“We have already submitted a written request to have an additional place for Liverpool should they win the Champions League.

“If Mr Johansson has said we should put something in writing to the UEFA executive committee then we are happy to send another letter once again requesting an additional place for Liverpool should they – as we all hope they do – win the Champions League in Istanbul.”

Johansson offered his support to Liverpool before the semi-final second leg with Chelsea, which saw the Merseysiders qualify for the May 25 final.

But further comments from UEFA’s director of communications William Gaillard threw doubt over the prospect.

However, Johansson yesterday told Sky Sports News: “Let’s deal with it when we know the facts after the final of the Champions League.

“And then see to it that we are crystal-clear that the champion must always be given the opportunity to defend the title.

“If the English FA would like to do so, they should make a proposal that would mean extending the number of teams from England in the Champions League next time from four to five.

“They cannot just explain their feelings, they should sit down and write a letter to the UEFA executive committee with a request to extend the number of teams from England from four to five.”

It is believed that pressure has been brought on UEFA from sponsors and TV companies not to allow a situation in which a club as big worldwide as Liverpool are excluded next season.

:: One omen in Liverpool’s favour come May 25 is the fact that they will be allowed to wear their all-red kit in Istanbul. Milan will play in white.

In every one of Liverpool’s four previous winning European Cup Finals, their opponents have worn white and the Anfield men their traditional all-red kit. The final they lost in Brussels 20 years ago, saw Juventus wearing black and white stripes.