European Union nations are looking at sports-related sanctions to punish Russia for its involvement in the Ukraine crisis, but diplomats say the immediate targeting of high-profile events like the 2018 World Cup is unlikely at this stage.
An EU official with knowledge of the proposals said Wednesday that sports sanctions are under consideration as the EU seeks to get new measures ready by the weekend.
Diplomats from three member states said it was unrealistic to think that the 28-nation group would try to impose such measures now, and said ambassadors would more likely seek a deepening of current sanctions.
The individuals spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were still ongoing. The EU has so far imposed sanctions against dozens of Russian officials, as well as Russia's financial and arms industries.
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