Basel beat Spartak Moscow 2-0 in Russia last night to move above Liverpool in Group B of the Champions League and closer to progress into the second group phase. With Valencia safe in first place, Liverpool must win in Switzerland next Tuesday if they are to go through, although qualification for the UEFA Cup is guaranteed should they fail.

Argentinian Hernan Rossi scored Basel's first goal in the 17th minute and substitute Christian Giminez wrapped up victory a minute from time.

Meanwhile, Europe's elite clubs have acted to curb spiralling players' wages by agreeing to put an upper limit on the amount each can spend on staff salaries.

The 18 clubs who make up G14, including Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, voted to spend a maximum of 70 per cent of turnover on the combined wages of players, directors and all other backroom staff. It is the first step towards capping players' wages in Europe since the maximum wage was abolished in the 1960s but will not limit what a player can earn. The scheme will be supported by performance-related pay where players would agree to take a wage cut if their club is relegated.

"This was about establishing an overall principle of gaining control over costs in football and I think collectively we see it as the major issue," Manchester United's chief executive Peter Kenyon said. "The reality of football across Europe is that too many clubs are technically bust and that's not healthy for the long-term success of the sport."

The system will be self-policing and there is no plan for sanctions against any who may break the rule.