Johansson hints at fifth English place

England might get a fifth Champions League qualifying place next season if Liverpool won the trophy but failed to finish in the top four in the Premier League, UEFA president Lennart Johansson said yesterday.

Liverpool, who are fifth in the Premier League, face newly-crowned champions Chelsea in their semi-final, second leg tomorrow after drawing 0-0 at Stamford Bridge.

As it stands, if Liverpool won the Champions League and finished fifth, the Football Association would have to choose England's four entrants from Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and the fourth-placed team, currently Everton.

Though he was far from emphatic, Johansson told BBC Five Live radio yesterday: "If there is a possibility to make an exception for the winner of the Champions League then there could be an additional place.

"The door is always open. We are there to serve football, not just dictate.

"Liverpool are welcome with their point of view. They can make any proposal and we will deal with it and we will give them a quick answer," he said.

"It is for the executive committee to decide and anything can be granted if they decide to go to the member associations and ask for a change in the regulations.

"But it would be unfair on Everton who have played the whole season and qualified via fourth place to then exclude them."

Liverpool have 55 points and two games left to play, while Merseyside rivals Everton have 58 points and a game in hand.