Soccer: Liverpool call for right to defend trophy

ISTANBUL - Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has called on UEFA to let his team defend the Champions League trophy they lifted after beating AC Milan on Wednesday.

Liverpool came back from 3-0 down to level the scores at 3-3 and force extra-time before winning Europe's top club competition 3-2 on penalties.

However, they do not qualify for next year's tournament after finishing fifth in England's Premier League.

Asked what arguments the club could now put forward to European soccer's governing body, Parry told Sky Sports: "You look at the support we brought, you look at the worldwide audience tonight, which I think they reckon is going to be a record, and you look at the game itself.

"I think we have to be given a shot. I think we are worthy champions and I think that's what the world will say."

England are entitled to four teams in next season's competition. Champions Chelsea and runners-up Arsenal go into the group phase, while Manchester United and Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton head for the final qualifying round.

UEFA president Lennart Johansson and Sepp Blatter, head of world governing body FIFA, have recently supported Liverpool's calls to be allowed to defend the trophy if they won it.

- REUTERS