Uefa president backs Reds bid - PakPassion

Waqar's inswinging yorker

Lennart Johansson has backed Liverpool's bid to defend the UEFA Champions League if they lift the trophy in Istanbul later this month.
The Uefa president has told Sky Sports News that he supports the Merseysiders' cause but stressed the final decision rests with The Football Association and it is their responsibility to submit a formal proposal.
Of course, nothing can be done until the outcome of the final with Milan is known and at least Everton know there is no question of any repeat of the situation in Spain some years ago when Real Madrid usurped Real Zaragoza despite finishing below them in the table.
"Let's deal with it when we know the facts after the final of the Champions League," explained Johansson. "And then see to it that we are crystal clear that the champion must always be given its opportunity to defend the title.
"That we see to it in the future that we have rules and regulations that are understandable from the very beginning.
"In the view of the reactions that came now, I personally, on one hand, think that someone has qualified under the present regulations for the next Champions League and, on the other hand, I understand the champions like to defend its title.
"If the association (FA) would like to do so, if they are taking contact with us, 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."
Although accepting Liverpool's feelings on the subject, Johansson is adamant that everything must be done through the proper channels.
"They cannot just explain their feelings," he added. "They must go to other things if they feel this would be correct.
"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."
Meanwhile, Liverpool will wear red in the final with Milan changing to their white strip.

Waqar's inswinging yorker

Milan have backed Liverpool in their bid to win a place in next season's UEFA Champions League if they win this year's final.
Liverpool have missed out on qualifying for Europe's premier competition through The Premiership after Sunday's defeat to Arsenal ensured Everton would finish in fourth place.
The Football Association have also ruled that only the top four in The Premiership would be granted entry to the Champions League.
The Reds are clinging to the hope that The FA and Uefa may change their minds and allow them to play in next season's competition if they win this month's final.
Milan director Umberto Gandini believes that Liverpool would deserve a place in next year's tournament if they are successful in Istanbul claiming it would be "unthinkable" for the winners not to be able to defend their trophy.
"It must be paramount for the title holder to be in," said Gandini.
"They will have won the right to defend their title on the pitch.
"It's not my place to tell The FA what to do but I honestly think this is the correct approach.
"If it happened in Italy, the fourth-placed team would go to the Uefa Cup, it's very simple.
"In our opinion, that's in the spirit of the rules because the title holder should always be No 1."