http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=336459&cc=4716
Czech protest against Reds rejected
Slavia Prague have criticised UEFA after their appeal against the
decision to seed Liverpool in the first preliminary round of the
Champions League was rejected.
Slavia, runners-up to Sparta Prague in the Gambrinus Liga, lost
their seeding in the third qualifying round when the decision was
taken to admit European champions Liverpool to the competition by
special dispensation.
Liverpool finished fifth in the Premiership and the English FA had
already decided the top four clubs in the domestic competition
would take the four berths regardless of how Rafael Benitez and his
men fared in the Champions League.
However, following intense media pressure and lobbying, UEFA caved
in and allowed Liverpool a place in the qualifying round.
Slavia and the Czech Football Federation appealed against the
decision, which will cost them a seeding when they enter in the
third round of qualifying, but to no avail.
Slavia general manager Vladimir Leska said: 'The reply sent to us
from UEFA management was shocking for us.
'If UEFA solves an irregular situation about the defending
champions it should not harm the other clubs.
'We still believe that an acceptable solution will be found, a
solution that will avoid harming of our club as regards seeding in
the third preliminary round.'
Croatian champions Hajduk Split have also protested against the
decision, which cost them a seeding in the second preliminary
round.
There're so many other clubs appealing, seems like Everton is
not the only club affected ...
