FIFA has asked authorities in 2018 World Cup host Russia for "clarification and more details" about a new anti-gay law, joining the International Olympic Committee in seeking answers from Moscow.
Legislation prohibiting "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors" has provoked an international furore since President Vladimir Putin signed it off in June, and sparked growing concern at the IOC ahead of the Sochi Winter Games next February.
The two most influential organisations in world sports are both now asking Russia how the law would be enforced during their marquee events.
"FIFA has asked the Russian authorities for clarification and more details on this new law," football's governing body said in a statement Tuesday.
"Russia has committed to provide all visitors and fans with a warm welcome and ensure their safety" during the month-long tournament," FIFA said, adding that "FIFA trusts that the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts will deliver on this promise."
FIFA has a direct link to the Russian government, as Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko serves under FIFA President Sepp Blatter on the football body's 27-member executive board.
Still, Mutko has said that Olympic athletes would have to respect the country's laws the Feb. 7-23 Winter Games, and that international reaction needed to "calm down."
FIFA noted that its statutes "foresee zero tolerance against discrimination."
Article 3 states: "Discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group of people on account of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics or any other reason is strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion."
