David Moyes has claimed that there was a conspiracy against Everton during their efforts to qualify for the Champions League.

The Toffees finished fourth in the 2004-05 Premier League season to earn themselves a place in the qualifying rounds of Europe's primary competition.

However a 4-2 defeat over two legs to Spanish side Villarreal, Champions League semi-finalists in the same year, saw Everton eliminated before the group stage.

"The draw we got was a stinker. I always think it was the 'hot balls' in the bag that day," said Moyes.

"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."

Moyes, who recently celebrated ten years in charge at Goodison Park, believes progression into the competition proper could have seen Everton go on to bigger and better things.

"That could have changed what we did at Everton. If we had got into the group stages with the money that was available," he said.

"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."

Everton are currently ninth in the Premier League.