FA execs have held talks as the "prospect of boycotting the World Cup in Russia escalates," according to Matt Lawton of the London DAILY MAIL. The FA does not believe the government is "considering a boycott" but officials in Wembley and Westminster have "discussed the growing political crisis." The view at Wembley is that it remains a matter for the government and not the FA and, "based on the fact that a possible boycott is not currently on the table," there are "no thoughts" about aborting their plans for this summer’s tournament in Russia. The FA nevertheless recognizes the "seriousness of the situation amid concern" -- expressed by experts in Russia -- that there "could be serious safety concerns." Only if the government intervenes and declares it dangerous for the English team to travel to Russia would the governing body "consider withdrawing" (DAILY MAIL, 3/13).
DAMAGING RELATIONS: ESPN.com reported the Russian Foreign Ministry said that British threats to boycott the 2018 World Cup "over the poisoning of secret agent Sergei Skripal will damage the relationship between the two countries and will damage world sport." On Monday, British PM Theresa May said that Russian involvement in Skripal's poisoning was "highly likely." The Russian Foreign Ministry said, "Such proposals [to boycott the World Cup] come not only from journalists, but also from officials -- in particular from U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and from the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Tom Tugendhat. Skripal's poisoning, for which the investigation has not even begun yet, is being used by British politicians to draw conclusions about Russia's involvement. So now they want to 'punish' us with a World Cup boycott" (ESPN.com, 3/13).
'NOBODY LIKES ANYTHING': SPORT EXPRESS' Alexander Bobrov reported former FIFA President Sepp Blatter "hit back at English criticism of holding the tournament in Russia." Some suggested that England will forfeit the tournament in protest, "although Blatter is among those who doubt these unlikely calls." Blatter said, "They are like that. They also spoke and acted against me. Nobody likes anything. The English don't know how to lose." Whether the 82-year-old will attend the tournament is "seemingly not in doubt at this point in time," as he insisted it is a matter of "which match he is invited to." He said, "I have an invitation from the Head of State of Russia" (SPORT EXPRESS, 3/13).
