Yahoo Sport 
Boris Johnson claims England officials could pull out of Russia World Cup over Salisbury 'poisoning'
Boris Johnson has claimed that England officials could pull out of the upcoming World Cup over the Salisbury ‘restaurant poisoning’ which has left a spy fighting for life.
The Foreign Secretary, speaking after former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal was reportedly poisoned in the Wiltshire town, said the UK’s involvement could not go ahead ‘in the normal way’ if there is a proven link between Russia and the substance exposure.
A source close to Mr Johnson said the Foreign Secretary was talking about “officials and dignitaries” and is not seeking to prevent Gareth Southgate’s England squad from competing in the tournament.
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According to The Times, Mr Johnson said: ‘I think it will be difficult to see how UK representation at the World Cup (in Russia) can go ahead.’
Boris Johnson says that if Russia is proved to be behind the Salisbury poisonings “I think it will be difficult to see how UK representation at the World Cup (in Russia) can go ahead”
— Sam Coates Times (@SamCoatesTimes) March 6, 2018
Team Boris urgently make it clear they do not mean the England squad won’t go to the Russia World Cup – they mean “dignitaries and officials who bless the event” may not get sent. Ha! https://t.co/860OETRW5x
— Sam Coates Times (@SamCoatesTimes) March 6, 2018
Former Russian double agent Skripal, 66, remains critically ill after a suspected poison attack as police examine potentially crucial CCTV evidence.
The World Cup in Russia starts on June 14, with England’s first fixture, against Tunisia, on June 18.
It really would save a lot of time and hassle if Boris preceded every Commons appearance, media interview and memo by saying: ‘Please take none of this seriously until my aides have confirmed if I meant to say it.’ #WorldCup
— Emily Thornberry (@EmilyThornberry) 6 March 2018
