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Lord Moniyhan: Don't boycott World Cup over spy poisoning

Former sports minister and Olympic medallist Lord Moniyhan has urged England not to boycott this summer's World Cup over the poisoning incident involving Russia spy Sergei Skripal.

Moniyhan - who defied Mrs Thatcher's ban to compete at the 1980 Moscow Olympics - believes not sending a team to the World Cup would be "gesture politics" affecting sports people and fans disproportionately, especially as the UK still maintains extensive trade links with Russia.

Prince William, President of the FA, and senior government officials have already indicated they won't be travelling to Russia but Moniyhan believes a boycott shouldn't extend to the playing side.

From Sportsweek Sunday 18 March 2018

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