[lfc-news] FAW rejects Reds' Euro lifeline - BBC

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BBC Sport, 26 May 2005
FAW rejects Reds' Euro lifeline

TNS have no hope of playing a Champions League play-off with Liverpool,
the FA of Wales has told BBC Sport.

The Welsh champions are willing to give up their place in the Champions
League first round qualifying draw if they lose to Liverpool in a
one-off match.

But the FAW has insisted that TNS must enter the competition, or else
their place would go to another Welsh club.

Liverpool failed to qualify for next season's Champions League after
finishing fifth in the Premiership.

The Football Association has confirmed that the top four teams will be
entered into next season's competition, and Uefa says it has no plans to
give Liverpool special dispensation to defend their title.

But the FA says it will lobby strongly for Liverpool to be entered into
the qualifying rounds.

Said FA executive director David Davies: "If they are admitted at an
early stage they could play one if not two of the smallest sides in
Europe and for those clubs it would be a fantastic prospect in terms of
both football and finances to face the European champions."

TNS chairman Mike Harris told BBC Wales Sport a pre-qualifier against
Liverpool would make far greater financial sense than for his side to
play against a European minnow.

But FAW secretary general David Collins said such a proposition was not
feasible and would not be supported.

TNS made their Champions League debut in 2000, losing 6-2 on aggregate
to Levadia Maardu of Estonia.

Only Barry Town have managed to progress past the Champions League's
first hurdle since the Welsh Premier's inception in 1992/93.

Harris, therefore, believes a high-profile match against Liverpool makes
greater financial sense than playing against a European minnow.

"Such a play-off would enjoy huge media coverage," he added. "It would
bring the image of our league to the whole of the UK.

"We suffer immensely compared to other nations because we're right next
door to the English Premiership which takes all the media and all the cash.

"We as a nation and as [Welsh Premier] clubs are trying to put very
stringent Uefa criteria in place in terms of our grounds which needs
massive investment.

"Such a game would help us achieve some of our ambitions. And with a bit
of luck we might beat them."

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