The Australian government intimated it was considering boycotting the Russian tournament as it looks to continue the global backlash against Russia for the perceived state-organised attempted assassination of prominent Russian defector Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. 

The attempted assassinations took place in England earlier this year, which led to claims England may boycott the World Cup as a result, however Australia has only recently taken measures to review official sanctions.

The pair are currently in a critical condition in an English hospital. A police officer also affected by the nerve agent used to attempt to kill the subjects has recently been released. Poland and Japan are two other nations rumoured to be considering boycotting the tournament. 

“The impact of sanctions, of course, is strongest when it is done collectively," Bishop said.

"We will continue to liaise with the [UK] Foreign Office and other allies and partners on this issue as to whether further action will be taken in response to the deployment of a chemical nerve agent in Salisbury.

“There are a whole range of further options of action that could be taken.

“The boycott of the World Cup is one of the further actions that could be taken in relation to this matter.”

However, Bishop later clarified the situation on Twitter, stating the government wasn't considered an unprecedented boycott.

Bishop's initial announcement came after the Australian government expelled two Russian diplomats it believes are undeclared spies working on behalf of the Russian Federation.

The relationship between England and Russia has become increasingly fractured over the past few months, with the Russian government going as far as to veil "nuclear power" threats against the UK over the incident.

Should the relationship between England and Russia devolve further, British Prime Minister Theresa May acknowledged that England may boycott the event.

If that was to take place, as one of England's closest allies, Australia may be led into withdrawing the Socceroos from the tournament as well. Former Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, said the Australian government's actions were in response to the "horror and revulsion" of the attempted assassinations. 

“I think that right around the world there is just this horror and revulsion at the idea that Putin’s death squads are stalking the streets of England,” Abbott said.

Russia is now expected to expel Australian diplomats within Russia, which could lead to difficulties for any Australians attempting to request diplomatic assistance while attending the tournament.