Sat, May 07, 2005 - Page 18 News List

Baggies may have to battle against relegation

AP , LONDON

That seems unlikely, although the FA said it would back Liverpool's case.

Liverpool is in the final for the first time in 20 years and there has been pressure on the FA to consider dropping fourth-place Everton if its neighbor wins the European title for the fifth time.

But that was considered unfair for Everton, which has been solid in fourth place all season, and the English federation issued a statement Thursday saying the team would not be dropped. Everton will join Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, assuming it stays in fourth.

"The FA confirmed today that the top four teams in the Premiership at the end of the season will enter next seasons UEFA Champions League," the FA said in a statement. "This will not be changed whatever the outcome of Liverpool's Champions League Final in Istanbul on 25 May.

"However, the FA also believes that, if Liverpool win in Istanbul and do not finish in the top four in the Premiership, an extra place should be allocated to them in the Champions League next season," the statement said. "This is ultimately a matter for UEFA, but the FA will continue to make representations on this issue at the highest level."

UEFA president Lennart Johansson said Sunday there was a chance soccer's European body might change its regulations to accommodate Liverpool if it won the title.

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