Image:David Moyes: Knows the difference Champions League money could have made to Everton
David Moyes believes there was a conspiracy against Everton when they qualified for the Champions League in 2005.
Everton boss feels that UEFA did not want Everton in Champions League
David Moyes believes there was a conspiracy against Everton when they qualified for the UEFA Champions League in 2005.
The club operate on a shoestring budget compared to other Premier League rivals and a Champions League run would have given the team a much-needed financial boost.
However, Moyes feels after Liverpool winning the competition the previous season, UEFA was keen to avoid including five English clubs.
Everton were drawn against Villarreal in the qualifying stage and went out 4-2 on aggregate.
"It was a defining point for us. Villarreal went onto the semi-final," Moyes said.
Stinker
"The draw we got was a stinker. I always think it was the 'hot balls' in the bag that day.
"We went away (trailing 2-1) and Duncan Ferguson scored to make it 2-1 on the night to take it to extra-time and Pierluigi Collina chops it off.
"That could have changed what we did at Everton. If we had got into the group stages with the money that was available...
"Everyone knows the previous season Liverpool had won the European Cup so deep down I didn't think they (UEFA) wanted five British teams in the group stages.
"I am sure they were all delighted when we were knocked out."
