FA's extra Euro spot plea to fail

English clubs will not be given an extra place in the Champions League if Liverpool win this season's tournament, UEFA said today.

Officials at the Football Association are writing to European football's governing body urging them to agree to an unprecedented change in the competition's rules.

The FA's appeal follows Liverpool's progress to the Champions League semi-finals, but their failure to guarantee a top-four finish in the Premiership.

"It's not possible to have more than four places," said a UEFA spokesman today.

"It's in our regulations. The country has to decide between the fourth-placed team (in the domestic league) or the title holders (of the European Cup)."

Everton are favourites to finish in the fourth Champions League spot but should Rafael Benitez's side become European champions then they may have to settle for the UEFA Cup.

With UEFA not willing to relent, the FA will be forced to decide between the two Merseyside rivals as to which one gets the fourth Championship League spot next season.