Liverpool plan to snub the Europa League if they were awarded a place via UEFA's Fair Play League.
Brendan Rodgers's side could qualify for the competition should the Premier League's disciplinary record improve, with Finland, Sweden and Norway all currently ahead of them as the fairest leagues on the continent, heading into the final few weeks of the season.
Only fourth-placed Arsenal rank higher than the Reds in the disciplinary standings but would forefeit their entry if they were to finish in the Champions League spots as expected.
But while Fulham and Manchester City have previously taken up the offer of continental qualification via the Fair Play League but Liverpool's acceptance would see their competitive season beginning as earily as mid-July, which would put paid to their pre-season plans.
The Anfield club, who crashed out of the Europa League at the last 32 stage this season, are set to travel to Asia and Australia as part of their preparations for the 2013/14 campaign and Rodgers admits that he would prefer to gain entry into the competition through on-field endeavour.
He said: “I’ve never thought of it. Maybe we should get a couple of sendings off or bookings!
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