Russia 2018: 6 countries planning state boycotts

Six countries are also planning state boycotts of the World Cup in Russia to show solidarity with Britain.

Officials from the close ally nations are all now likely to snub Moscow’s invitations to the tournament after the Salisbury outrage, The Sun has been told.

They are Poland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Australia and Japan, with more expected to follow.

The communal snubs come after Theresa May’s announcement last week that Prince William and all her government ministers will refuse to play any part in the competition.

And they are another boost for the PM in her stand off against Vladimir Putin.

Polish President Andrzej Duda was the first world leader to stand alongside Mrs May by revealing he has refused to go to the tournament’s opening ceremony in Moscow on June 14.

This follows the Salisbury nerve attack on March 4, as experts are still sweeping the home of the former Russian spy.

Australia has since reportedly denied being involved in the boycott.

None of the 32 national teams competing will stay away from the tournament amid fears that a total boycott would only punish millions of football fans worldwide.

Former FIFA boss Sepp Blatter sparked renewed anger by insisting any boycott of the competition would be wrong.

Blatter tweeted: “Football has up to 2 billion followers. FIFA-World Cup 2018 in Russia: The most important sport event in the world.

Therefore no boycott! Let’s play the game in peace and for peace!”