 LIVERPOOL are set to pull out of December's World Club Championships in Japan. However, the decision is not related to yesterday's decision to plunge the Reds into the first qualifying stage of the Champions League. There are those who might see Liverpool's withdrawal from the FIFA run event as a protest against UEFA's decision. That is not the case. Liverpool's participation in the event has never been compulsory and they will exercise their right to opt out of the tournament. Manager Rafa Benitez believes the fixture congestion caused by Liverpool's participation would be too horrific and he doesn't want a pre-Christmas trip to the Far East. As part of the G14 group, Liverpool have long-term concerns about the timing of the tournament. The European Champions were invited to Tokyo after defeating AC Milan, but they face a fixture nightmare, particularly as their season starts on July 12. Japanese Liverpool fans now face double disappointment as their pre-season tour must be cancelled, providing the Reds get beyond their first qualifier. Chief Executive Rick Parry said the decision to allow the European Champions to defend their trophy was helped by tremendous public support. "We welcome the decision to allow us in the competition next season," Parry said. "We're very pleased to have been allowed back as there was a possibility we wouldn't be in it at all. "We wish to express our thanks to all those who supported us and campaigned on our behalf. "We will now consider the implications this will have on the pre-season training camp and Japanese tour." Liverpool will take part in the Super Cup Final on August 26. | 
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