The Government appears likely to intensify pressure on Fifa to kick Russia out of the World Cup, with Whitehall chiefs exploring all options to make Vladimir Putin "an international pariah".
Ministers would be willing to combine efforts with counterparts from other countries and also make approaches via the Football Association to apply pressure on Gianni Infantino.
There is understood to be surprise within Government that Fifa has yet to expel Russia given Poland has now refused to play its upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final.
Labour's Chris Bryant, who called for Roman Abramovich to face sanctions, and Colonel Richard Kemp, a former Afghanistan commander, told Telegraph Sport that Russia must be expelled.