[lfc-news] Reds told to pay price of success

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Reds told to pay price of success Oct 7 2005
EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL have been hit with an astonishing compensation claim by
Sunderland and the Premier League after agreeing to enter the World Club
Championships.

Sunderland are seeking around £260,000 compensation from Liverpool
following the postponement of a fixture which clashes with the Reds' trip
to Japan.

The Reds' game at the Stadium of Light was originally scheduled for
December 17. For television purposes, it was a 5.15pm kick-off.

However, Liverpool now travel to Japan on December 11 and hope to stay
until the final a week later.

Sunderland are unhappy about the financial loss this will incur if the game
isn't rescheduled to be screened on television.

The Premier League originally told Liverpool they won't foot the bill
because the decision to play in the World Club Championships isn't
compulsory. They told Liverpool to pay up, but are now understood to be
reviewing the position after writing to FIFA.

Their original stance is strongly contradicted by FIFA and UEFA, who today
confirmed Liverpool's presence in the competition is compulsory.

A UEFA spokesman told the ECHO: "The team representing Europe in the World
Club Championship is nominated by UEFA. As champions, that team is
Liverpool. There is no choice. They must play in the tournament."

Liverpool, who have already confirmed their willingness to play in the Far
East and are looking forward to travelling to Japan in December, are
astounded by the compensation claim.

Chief executive Rick Parry said: "We have responded to the Premier League
by pointing out this is a compulsory tournament so I don't see why we
should be asked to pay compensation."

The Premier League stance is also at odds with the attitude of English
football chiefs when Manchester United played in the event six years ago.

United were actively encouraged to represent their country and were
pressurised to pull out of the FA Cup.

Liverpool officials are suprised they're being penalised for winning the
Champions League.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has made it clear from the outset the Reds must
participate in the competition.

Premier League officials today confirmed they had written to FIFA for
clarification on the matter and are currently reviewing their position.

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