French sports minister blasts racist chants from Russian fans

ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA MARCH 26, 2018: An aerial view of Saint Petersburg Stadium, a venue for 2018 FIFA World Cup matches. Anton Vaganov/TASS (Photo by Anton VaganovTASS via Getty Images)

Will Iceland play at the FIFA World Cup in Russia?

Iceland announced a diplomatic boycott of this year’s World Cup. But what does that mean for their football team?

French sports minister blasts racist chants from Russian fans

ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA MARCH 26, 2018: An aerial view of Saint Petersburg Stadium, a venue for 2018 FIFA World Cup matches. Anton Vaganov/TASS (Photo by Anton VaganovTASS via Getty Images)

Iceland announced Monday it will stage a diplomatic boycott of the football World Cup in Russia over the poisoning of a former double agent in Britain.

The foreign ministry said in a statement:

“Among the measures taken by Iceland is the temporary postponement of all high-level bilateral dialogue with the Russian authorities. Consequently, Icelandic leaders will not attend the FIFA World Cup in Russia this summer.”

What is a diplomatic boycott?

Iceland is making a strong political statement by keeping their dignitaries at home. The World Cup isn’t just seen as a sporting tournament, but it also brings nations together – think of the USA vs Iran game in 1998.

By snubbing the host country entirely, it delivers a huge PR blow to Russia. The Reykjavik government also exhorted Moscow to provide “clear answers” over the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in southwestern England on March 4.

“The Salisbury attack constitutes a grave violation of international law and threatens security and peace in Europe,” the statement said.

Britain announced in mid-March that British royals and ministers would stay away from the FIFA tournament set for June 14 – July 15.

Iceland’s decision came as 16 European Union countries on Monday gave a large number of Russian envoys notice to leave their territory.

The United States, Canada and Ukraine have also announced the expulsion of dozens more Russian diplomats.

Iceland, a member of NATO but not of the EU, imposed sanctions against Russia along with the EU over the annexation of Crimea.

Will Iceland play at the World Cup 2018 in Russia?

Yes. The team will still play in Russia. It is only those with diplomatic ties from the country who will have to give the tournament a miss. This year’s World Cup will see Iceland compete for the first time at the highest level.