FA quiet on Champions League rule changes
Friday, 6 May 2005 16:15The English FA has refused to comment on claims that they have changed the rules for Champions League qualification on a whim.
The FA yesterday revealed that the top four Premiership sides will be put forward for next season's Champions League even if Liverpool win this season's tournament and finish outside the top four in the league.
However that approach is at odds with a statement they released on March 10 last year when Chelsea and Arsenal were both in contention in the Champions League.
Then, the FA claimed that should Arsenal or Chelsea win the Champions League and finish outside the top four they would be given a place in the next season's compeition at the expense of the fourth place club - then Liverpool.
In a statement on their website, which was today removed, the FA said: "Should Arsenal or Chelsea win the Champions League, they will automatically qualify for next season's competition but England will not gain an extra Champions League place, even if they finish outside of the top four in the Premiership.
"In that scenario the fourth-placed team in the Premiership will play in next season's UEFA Cup."
This latest development is yet another embarrassment for the FA, who have dragged their heels over the issue and only yesterday made a statement on the current situation.
