After sweating their way through the longest World Cup qualification route in their history, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has raised the prospect of Australia not attending June’s tournament.
The federal government is expelling two Russian spies after a poisoning episode in the United Kingdom earlier this month.
In response to questioning on Tuesday, Bishop said a further escalation of diplomatic action was possible.
“There are a whole range of options of further actions that could be taken. The World Cup is one of the further actions,” she said.
But in sweet relief for Socceroos fans, the prospect of the team not attending the tournament is still a remote possibility.
What’s more likely is that the Australian government joins the UK in a “state boycott” of the event, where no political leaders travel to Russia.
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.
A report from London newspaper The Sun suggests Australia is one of a number of countries that are likely to join this action.
Clarification on Bishop’s comments is being sought from the foreign minister’s office and Football Federation Australia.
Ange Postecoglou’s side needed 22 matches in 12 different countries to finally seal a place in Russia.
Now under Bert van Marwijk’s tenure, the Socceroos are in action on Wednesday morning (AEDT) in a friendly match against Colombia in London.
Aligee
Guest
Today UK scientists said they couldnt prove it was Russian, and thinking about it, Russia has been blamed on Trumps election, Brexit and now some nerve agent, what exactly does Russia have to benefit by using a substance that directly leads back to them when the world cup in Russia is around the corner. Apparently the daughter has recovered enough to talk now, talk about really bad assasins, what was Russia thinking!!!!. More likely rogue agents, possibly |British or Russian. Therea the appeaser was the most happy woman in England when this happened - what a surprise after her pathetic Brexit attempts. No one will boycott any soccer.
stu
Guest
Sure we can think for oursélves, but to talk briefly about politics.......it is good to remember that WE like our way of life therefore we need to stand side by side with others who like the same way of life. It is a simple cultural divide covering many subjects.....we stand on this side of the line with our allies, they stand on the other side of the line......simple. We do not support the team, we are standing along when trouble comes and we ain't that strong.
Evan Askew
Guest
The Russian invasion of Austria in April 45 was pretty brutal. I wonder why.
chris
Guest
The BF that is not really a partner so he flies with her under the radar.
chris
Guest
Exactly. That puppet Bishop is just waiting on what the poms will do. There is no way they will boycott so we wont either.
Beny Iniesta
Guest
Bloody fool Bishop. Malcolm Fraser wanted to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympics - but you know what, the Olympic athletes that wanted to go went anyway. Do you think they regretted going? Of course not. And you know what? Australia loves boasting its been to every Summer Olympics! Not really true, as the country didn't exist in 1896 or 1900 as an Independent country!! Bishop can get stuffed.
Pedro
Guest
No don't boycott the World Cup love to see them get thrashed
LuckyEddie
Guest
Good one.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Qatar getting the next WC is a genuine farce. The alleged corruption, the alleged human rights violations, the timing problems - it's just absurd.
LuckyEddie
Guest
The real Liberal Party got HAL started, not to be confused with the bunch we have there now. Bishop will not boycott because she will be going and is already shopping for a lot of expensive tax payer funded outfits. Plus the boyfriend might want to see a few games.
LuckyEddie
Guest
Football is all about politics and money - that's why Qatar got the next WC.
Grobbelaar
Roar Guru
It's good that that has been clarified. We can imagine the reaction of the Russian FA if the boycott had gone ahead: We regret the decision of the Austrian FA to not attend the world cup. We are taken aback by their decision. What has the Russian people done to Austria to deserve such treatment?
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
"They are no friends of Football".........think you'll find it was the "Libs" that got the ball rolling that led to the birth of the A League old chap. No friend of any of those in Canberra, but credit where credits due.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
True, but I'd presume common sense would overrule FIFA's rulings if the two (wildly unlikely) scenarios I suggested occurred. Also, in the Moscow Olympics case - athletes were encouraged to boycott, and they competed under an Olympic flag, not our national flag.
Nemesis
Guest
Removing the National Team from this tournament, or any Government interference on the National Team, would immediately mean AUS is suspended from FIFA. Even the USSR invasion of Afghanistan in 1980, didn't stop the Australian Olympic Team from going to the Moscow Olympics.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Great news. I have no qualms about any such political boycott, but removing the entire team from the competition should only be considering in drastic situations like Russia bombing Westminster or Putin authorising attacks on foreigners.
fadida
Guest
I think they are going to boycott the AFL World Cup instead.
Nemesis
Guest
BREAKING Foreign Affairs Minister, Julie Bishop has just categorically stated (via Twitter) that the Government is not considering the National Team boycott the FIFA World Cup. @JulieBishopMP That is wrong - the government is not considering a boycott of the #World Cup.
lesterlike
Guest
I'd say most Footballs fans would be pretty happy if the Libs were kept well away from any official interaction or appearances with the Socceroos They are no friends of Football nor of it's diverse community. We haven't forgotten the last World Cup, when our Captains name was just a bit too ethnic for Tony Abbott to even be bother learning.
Nemesis
Guest
This story should have been released on Sunday. That would've been the most appropriate date for such nonsense.