Richard Corbett, Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber and a lifelong Liverpool FC fan, is asking fellow Euro-MPs to support calls for Liverpool to be allowed to defend their Champions League trophy next year.
In a formal written motion submitted to the European Parliament this morning, Richard pointed out that until this year, no team has ever been disallowed from defending its title.
Richard also highlighted "the power of football to unite the peoples of Europe".
The official motion reads:
" The European Parliament , having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. aware that Liverpool Football Club won the UEFA Champions League Final in Istanbul on 25th May 2005,
B. recognising that Liverpool Football Club finished fifth in the English Premier League and therefore does not automatically qualify for the 2006 UEFA Champions League,
C. whereas it has never happened that the Champion has not been able to defend its title,
D. conscious of the impact on the Champions League if the holders are unable to defend their title,
E. conscious of the power of football to unite the peoples of Europe,
1. Calls on UEFA to ensure that the UEFA Cup Champions are able to defend their title."
Before moving to Yorkshire, Richard represented Merseyside West in the European Parliament under the old single-member constituency system.
UEFA have so far resisted calls for Liverpool to be allowed to defend their trophy next season. Liverpool did not finish in the top four of the English Premiership. Under present rules, this means they do not qualify for next year's Champions League.
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