FIFA expects 2018 Russia World Cup to be 'catalyst for social change' in backdrop of anti-gay sentiments

World's soccer governing body FIFA has set aside anti-gay statements by the 2018 Russia World Cup chief and said that it expects the Russia edition of the tournament to be a catalyst for social change in the country.

According to CNN, FIFA is seeking clarification on the adoption of new laws in Russia, which prohibit propaganda on non-traditional sexual relations.

The legislation also bans symbols such as rainbow flags and has led to calls for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2018 World Cup to be boycotted, the report said.

Alexey Sorokin, CEO of the latter competition had defended the new laws, saying they had been misinterpreted, the report added.

Meanwhile, the football body said that its statues had zero tolerance against discrimination based, among other, on sexual orientation and said that the staging of the World Cup could contribute to uniting people and having a positive social impact.