[lfc-news] Reds in Euro seeding row - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 22 June 2005
Reds in Euro seeding row
By Rob Brady, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL face a protest from the Czech football authorities should they
make it through to the third round of the Champions League qualifiers.

The European Cup holders are among the seeded teams in the first and
second qualifying stages.

If they safely negotiate their way through these, they will also be
seeded in the third round - at the expense of Slavia Prague.

The Czechs, runners-up in their domestic league last season, would have
to be included among the unseeded teams to accommodate the Reds.

The club and the Czech FA are furious at the move, as Slavia would then
face a much tougher task as they bid to reach the lucrative group stage.

They could find themselves drawn against the likes of Manchester United,
Inter Milan or Real Betis. The Czechs plan to appeal if the situation
arises.

Czech FA secretary-general Petr Fousek said: "I have already warned
UEFA's director in charge of professional football Giorgio Marchetti
about this. We will now examine how and against who this protest will be
made."

Meanwhile, Turkish side Besiktas remain confident of signing Igor
Biscan. The Croat has not been offered a new contract by Liverpool
despite an up-turn in his form under Rafael Benitez.

Besiktas boss Riza Calimbay said: "We'll strike a deal within the week,
at the latest. I see the transfer as 99 percent complete. Biscan will
add strength to Besiktas."

Elsewhere, Lyon boss Gerard Houllier is continuing his pursuit of Milan
Baros.

The Czech striker wants to remain at Anfield, but Houllier's successor
Benitez may be forced to sell to raise funds to strengthen his side in
other areas.

Houllier signed Baros for the Reds for £3.6million from Banik Ostrava
three-and-a-half years ago and Jean-Michel Aulas, chairman of the French
champions, insists the 23-year-old remains a priority.

Aulas said: "Milan is clearly tied to Liverpool. We have not lost hope
of recruiting him. Baros remains on our list."

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