Yeah that was my point, i think we are right. Just like the world cup holders still have to qualify for the right to take part?
You're wrong. If the winners don't qualify automatically they take the place of the lowest placed qualifier from their country, who then go in to the UEFA Europa League. Its UEFA's rule and don't forget they created a place out of nothing for Liverpool that year - the FA had told them tough shit you're not getting a CL place.
