Arsene Wenger has stressed that he wishes to "stay out" of discussions regarding the diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Russia.
The Gunners are preparing to contest their Europa League quarter-final second leg against CSKA Moscow in the wake of strained relations between the two countries.
In March, a former Russian spy and his daughter were poisoned in the English city of Salisbury, which led to a diplomatic row over who is to blame over the incident.
Despite the issues at diplomatic level between the nations, Wenger insists that the political backdrop will have no bearing on Arsenal's performance against CSKA.
"There will be no problem," Wenger told reporters. "We've had no problems to come here. I don't think that will affect the game. It's best to stay out of that."
When asked a more general question about hostility between nations, Wenger replied: "Sport can always play a positive role in life and between countries as well.
"It's a good way to make relations, I have no problem with the World Cup. Maybe sport will have an even bigger role than before."
Russia are hosting the World Cup this summer, but there have been calls from British politicians for England to boycott the tournament due to the political fallout.
Giuseppe Labellarte
