Top Euro clubs put pressure on UEFA

UEFA came under huge new pressure today to let Liverpool play in next season's Champions League when G14, the grouping of 18 elite European clubs, called for the Reds to be allowed to defend their trophy.

The G14 group was the body that forced UEFA to expand the Champions League in 1998 by threatening to set up a breakaway competition and now they have thrown their weight behind Liverpool, one of their founder members.

A G14 spokesman said: "We support the desire to see Liverpool defend their trophy and the matter will be raised at our management board meeting next month. We believe UEFA should look at ways of allowing this to happen."

Rafael Benitez's side lifted the trophy on Wednesday with their penalty shoot-out victory over AC Milan, but they finished outside the top four of the Premiership - which denies them a place in next season's competition.

The G14 includes such powerful clubs as Real Madrid, Milan and Bayern Munich - as well as Manchester United and Arsenal - and a formal approach will be made to UEFA after their meeting in Amsterdam on 9 June.

The FA's chairman Geoff Thompson, who is also a UEFA vice-president, has continued lobbying for there to be five English clubs in the Champions League so Liverpool can defend their crown.