UEFA opinion still divided over Reds

Opinion is still “divergent” among UEFA’s executive committee on whether Liverpool should be given the opportunity to defend their Champions League crown, with a decision due on Friday at the earliest.

The 14-man committee will discuss the matter later this week, although Football Association chairman Geoff Thompson will not have a vote on this matter. The European governing body today insisted it is not cut and dried that the Reds will gain admission for next season’s competition.