Waiting nearly over for Liverpool

Liverpool are expected to find out in the next two days if UEFA will allow them to defend the Champions League

Rafael Benitez's side won Europe's finest club competition after a thrilling win against AC Milan but a fifth-placed finish in the Barclays Premiership was not good enough to enter next season's tournament.

UEFA officials are now due to discuss possibilities, with increased pressure on European football's governing body to include the Reds.

The G14 elite European clubs group have added weight, while Football Association chairman Geoff Thompson - who is also a UEFA vice-president - has continued lobbying for there to be five English clubs in the 2005/2006 tournament.

UEFA director of communications William Gaillard, who confirmed a decision is expected within two days, said: "It will depend on many telephone calls and the issue being discussed thoroughly with the executive committee members."

In 2000-01, when Real Madrid defended the trophy despite finishing fifth because the Spanish football federation decided to hand them Real Zaragoza's place.

Gaillard believes there is extra "sympathy" for Liverpool because their win in Istanbul was so dramatic.

Benitez's side were 3-0 down at half-time, only to pull level and to eventually win on penalties.

"There is a lot of sympathy for Liverpool's plight, at the same time we have rules," Gaillard added on the BBC Today programme. "You strike a compromise between the sympathy and the rules.

"The rule was applied five years ago in Spain, replacing the fourth-placed team with the champions (of the Champions League).

"So there is a precedent. At the same time we understand that in England - and probably outside given the way they won the title - that provoked a lot of sympathy.

"It is not (just) common sense, not as easy as it sounds, because it may have an influence on other clubs.

"It's important we get a consensus from our executive committee on the matter before proceeding."