FIFA World Cup 2018: What a boycott actually means

AUSTRALIA has been dragged into a possible boycott of the World Cup in Russia. But this is what it actually means for the Socceroos.

FOREIGN Minister Julie Bishop has hosed down speculation that the Socceroos will not take part in the World Cup in Moscow.

In a joint press conference yesterday with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Ms Bishop was discussing the expulsion of two spies as part of a co-ordinated global response to a poisoning episode in the United Kingdom earlier this month.

In response to direct questioning over the potential for a state-sanctioned Socceroos stay-away, Ms Bishop appeared to leave the door open.

“There are a whole range of options of further actions that could be taken,” she said.

“The World Cup is one of the further actions.”

Australia is stepping up diplomatic action against Russia, as part of a global move designed to punish Moscow for the poisoning attack on Sergei Skripal and daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury.

Britain has directly accused Russia of orchestrating the attack, and expelled 23 diplomats in response to the saga.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop announce the expulsion of two Russian officials yesterday. Picture: Kym Smith

More than 130 diplomats have been expelled from 23 countries as the furore surrounding the diplomatic scandal grows.

Russia is hosting the world’s biggest sporting event in June, with the Socceroos attending after sweating their way through a 22-match qualifying process.

However Ms Bishop closed down talk of Australia’s team not being part of it and tweeted reports suggesting otherwise were incorrect.

That is wrong - the government is not considering a boycott of the #World Cup. https://t.co/WfEgLl7reb

— Julie Bishop (@JulieBishopMP) March 27, 2018

WHAT A BOYCOTT MEANS

When the Socceroos kick off their campaign — against France on June 16 in Kazan — there’s unlikely to be an official presence in the stands.

The Australian government may however join the UK in a “state boycott” of the event, where no political leaders travel to Russia.

FIFA — which is currently investigating Football Federation Australia over its governance structures — would expel and punish Australia should the Socceroos not attend, which is one of many reasons why the prospect of the Socceroos not heading to Russia is highly unlikely.

“Football Federation Australia respects the Australian government’s responsibility to make decisions about diplomatic and international relations,” an FFA spokesman said.

“As things stand, all qualifying teams, including the England team, will be taking part in this FIFA event and that continues to be our intention.”

Australia has long-running sanctions in place against Russia, but it did not prevent the Socceroos from attending last year’s Confederations Cup.

After a marathon process involving matches in 12 nations, the Socceroos finally booked their place at the global showpiece last November with an intercontinental playoff defeat of Honduras.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced no ministers or royal family members will attend official events, including the opening ceremony, at the tournament.

Iceland, which will compete for the first time at the global showpiece after its surprise qualification, has followed suit.

According to The Sun, at least six countries are planning state boycotts of the Cup to show solidarity with Britain, including Australia.

Poland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Japan are among the other nations making a stand.

Polish President Andrzej Duda revealed he has refused to go to the tournament’s opening ceremony in Moscow on June 14.

All 32 teams competing are expected to attend the tournament amid fears that a total boycott will only punish football fans.