Russia 2018: World Cup boycott an empty gesture, says Caborn

Richard Caborn was minister for sport from 2001 to 2007

Former Sports Minister Richard Caborn says it would be an empty gesture to boycott the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

European Union officials are reportedly considering calling for a boycott of the tournament as a protest against Russian actions in Ukraine.

Caborn highlighted the 1980 Moscow Olympics when the United States were absent but a British team competed.

"You'll end up having the world split down the middle, and that is the worst of all worlds," said the 70-year-old.

"No one condones what is going on in Ukraine but it would be merely empty-gesture politics from those that did boycott the World Cup."

"The World Cup has been given and voted to Russia and we are going forward with our work." - Blatter

Caborn, minister for sport between 2001 and 2007, was a leading voice in the sporting boycott of South Africa during apartheid but believes similar action against Russia would be ineffective.

"Politicians often think they can institute a boycott but that can end up as being a show of weakness, not of strength," he added.

"The sporting boycott of South Africa worked because there was a total consensus between sports and politicians - but there is not over Russia."

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has said that the world governing body will not move the 2018 World Cup.