UEFA spokesman William Gaillard today insisted European football's governing body had no plans to change the rules at the moment and allow Liverpool to defend their Champions League crown.
He told BBC Radio Five Live the decision lay with the Football Association, who recently decided to allow Everton, who finished fourth in the Premiership, to keep their place in next season's Champions League qualifying rounds.
"The rules are what they are," Gaillard said.
Gaillard conceded it was a matter of never say never for Liverpool but added: "It is not something we plan to discuss.
"There could be a discussion with the executive committee but we don't change rules in the middle of the competition."
He told Sky Sports: "I don't expect Liverpool to be in the Champions League next season. As things stand they will be playing in the UEFA Cup."
The final decision is expected to be made at the UEFA executive committee meeting in Manchester on June 17.
