It seems a degree of common sense has prevailed, and the most important champions in the competition, Liverpool - the European Champions, have been allowed to defend their title in a ruling by UEFA today.

The decision was unanimous, but the reds will begin in the first group stage and will play 6 games (hopefully!) before they enter the group stage.

In the future all champions will automatically be allowed to defend their title.

The reds however, do not have any country protection and could therefore meet Everton in the 3rd Qualifying round - which would suit UEFA down to a tee, as they would avoid any further problems over splitting the group stage money 5 ways.

If Liverpool make it through the group stages, they will be placed in as top seeds and as such will avoid the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Man United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich. However, the reds could be placed in the same group as both Chelsea or Everton.

The decision has meant that Fenerbahce, ironically from Turkey, now automatically qualify for the group stage.

The draw will be made on the 24th June with matches in the middle of July. The games will wreak havoc with Liverpool's pre-season training, and in effect, will be the club's pre-season training.

The teams in the first round are:

Seeded Teams	Unseeded Teams
Liverpool (TH) Eng Anorthosis Famagusta Cyp Nova Gorica Slo Dinamo Tbilisi Geo CL Svk Haka Valkeakoski Fin FH Hafnarfjardar Isl Shelbourne Irl Zrinjski Mostar Bos Skonto Riga Lat Sheriff Tiraspol Mol FBK Kaunas Lit	Rabotnicki Skopje Mac Dinamo Minsk Bls Sliema Wanderers Mlt Pyunik Yerevan Arm SK Tirana Alb Levadia Tallinn Est Glentoran Nir Llansantffraid Wal Dudelange Lux Neftchi Baku Azb HB Torshavn Far Kairat Almaty Kaz

 

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