'No place in cup' for Liverpool

Rafael Benitez's side, who beat AC Milan 3-2 on penalties in last night's Final, missed out on qualification by finishing fifth in the Premiership.

With UEFA making no extra provision for the Cup holders, Liverpool will have to mount a dramatic campaign to get the governing body to consider a rule change.

UEFA spokesman William Gaillard today insisted it would make no difference. he said "I have sympathy for them but the rule is the rule and Liverpool will play in the UEFA Cup next year.

"They will, however, have the consolation prize of playing in the World Club Championship in Tokyo." The decision has provoked an angry response from Liverpool who will miss out on around £12 million in revenue if they remain excluded.

Benitez said: "It would be unbelievable if you are in the World Club Championship and the European Super Cup and not in the Champions League.

"If you win the Champions League it is because you are the best. We must be allowed to defend our trophy."

Sports Minister Richard Caborn agrees with the Spaniard and today urged for UEFA to reconsider.

He said: "They should rethink this issue. Nothing is set in stone and it seems only right that the winners should have automatic re-entry rather than having to qualify through the domestic system."

UEFA's executive committee will meet in Manchester on 16 June and are expected to discuss the holder's rule. But Gaillard cautioned: "There could be a discussion at the executive meeting over whether or not the rule is a good one. But, traditionally, we do not change rules in the middle of a competition."

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry hopes the weight of public opinion will force a rule change before late August's Champions League qualification rounds.

He said: "Look at the support we brought, look at the worldwide audience, which they reckon is going to be a record, and look at the game itself. I think we have to be given a shot."

Even defeated Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti conceded that Liverpool should be allowed to compete, while captain Steven Gerrard said: "I hope the people above let us defend it. It's called the Champions League and the champions should be in it."

The Football Association have also been lobbying UEFA in a bid to get five English teams admitted into next season's tournament.

Steven Gerrard today pleaded for Liverpool to be given the right to defend the European Cup

Liverpool's inspirational captain is determined to lead them out if, as expected, UEFA do the right thing and let them enter next season's Champions League.

Gerrard said: "I hope the people above let us defend it. It's called the Champions League and the champions should be in it."

Liverpool missed out on a berth for next season by finishing fifth in the Premiership but the irony is that by winning the Cup for the fifth time, they are allowed to keep the trophy but not defend it.

Yet UEFA's executive committee, chaired by Johansson, will meet in Manchester on 16 June and are expected to give the green light to Liverpool's participation, especially as the football world has been entranced by their dramatic triumph.

Manager Rafael Benitez echoed his captain's call. The Spanish boss said: "It is quite unbelievable to even consider that a side who will play in the European Super Cup as well as the World Club Championship next season should not be allowed back into the Champions League."

But UEFA again insisted today that England can only have four places and it is up to the FA to decide, but Liverpool believe that is now a red herring and that the discussions have now reached a different level.

It is believed that yesterday at UEFA's gala dinner, Liverpool chairman David Moores was told by UEFA supremo Lennart Johansson that he would do everything in his power to see Liverpool in the tournament next term.

Benitez said: "Surely this is common sense now, the holders must be allowed to defend their trophy, it is my opinion that the winners should always be allowed to fight again for the cup."

And Benitez also admitted his delight with skipper Steven Gerrard's words after the match last night when the midfielder said he could not see how he could now leave Liverpool.

Benitez said: "We have not talked a lot about the situation, but yes I do feel good about what he has said. I am sure now he will stay with us for next season, the season after and for a long time. I want him to be part of a team with great players around him, plus the ones we already have here, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher."

Benitez talked again of his joy at winning the crown in his first season at the club. He said: "I am so proud my my team and the way they played. We had to make lots of difficult decisions at half-time to change things, to give us possession and to score quickly. I did not then talk about winning, only that we would score and then see what the situation was and how it affected Milan.

"We had started with a game plan that was ruined by the early goal and with Harry Kewell's injury, we had intended to defend high up the pitch because they were expecting a deep defence from us.

"At this stage you do not know your destiny, only that you have belief and confidence. I now have my medal and it was with me all night.

"I now intend to enjoy the day and to see the smiling faces all around us of our fans, that is the real pleasure in what we have achieved. As when I was winning things with Valencia, it is those smiling faces that are the most important thing."