Soccer 's world governing body expects the 2018 World Cup to be a catalyst for social change in Russia , despite apparently anti-gay statements by the head of the organizing committee . But FIFA told CNN Tuesday that it was seeking clarification on the adoption of new laws in Russia which `` prohibit propaganda on non-traditional sexual relations '' around minors . The legislation also bans symbols symbols such as rainbow flags and has led to calls for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2018 World Cup to be boycotted . Alexey Sorokin , CEO of the latter competition , defended the new laws , saying they had been misinterpreted . `` It is designed against active propaganda of homosexuality , not against homosexuality itself . That is a big difference , '' he was quoted in an article by World Football Insider . `` Would you like a World Cup where naked people are running around displaying their homosexuality ? The answer to that is quite obvious . '' `` The Olympics and World Cup are not a stage for various views -- not for Nazis , not for any other ways of life . It should be about football and nothing else . '' FIFA said that its statutes had `` zero tolerance against discrimination based , among other , on sexual orientation '' and trusted that the 2018 hosts would deliver on their promise to provide all visitors and fans with a warm welcome . `` FIFA is firmly convinced that the staging of the World Cup can contribute to uniting people and having a positive social impact , '' it added . The International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) , under pressure to act ahead of next year 's Winter Games , has publicly opposed any moves to stage boycotts , but told CNN it is keeping a watching brief on developments in Russia . `` This legislation has just been passed into law and it remains to be seen whether and how it will be implemented , particularly as regards the Games in Sochi , '' it said . `` To that end , the IOC has received assurances from the highest level of government in Russia that the legislation will not affect those attending or taking part in the Games . '' Russia won the right to host the 2018 World Cup at a vote in December 2010 and pledged to build 13 new stadiums as part of a near $ 5 billion plan . Billions will also be spent on improving infrastructure for the expected influx of tourists and football fans for the global competition .
FIFA wants clarification on adoption of new 'anti-gay ' laws in Russia . 2018 World Cup CEO defends new legislation . FIFA wants 2018 to 'unite people and have a positive social impact ' Campaigners have demanded boycotts of Olympics and World Cup .