Rogge asks Russia to clarify anti-gay law despite 'unhindered' Winter Olympics assurances

International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge has said in Moscow that Russian written assurances over the anti-gay law in the Winter Olympics needed clarification, adding that it was more of a translation issue than a fundamental issue.

According to the BBC, gay rights campaigners have called for the games to be moved to another country in protest at the law and critics say its loose interpretation effectively hinders any kind of public gay rights event in Russia.

After British broadcaster Stephen Fry made the call in an open letter to Rogge and others on Wednesday, the IOC revealed that it had received assurances from the highest level of government in Russia that the legislation would not affect those attending or taking part in the Games, the report said.

However, Rogge expressed on Friday that there were still uncertainties despite written assurances received from Sochi organiser Dmitry Kozak, the report added.

The Sochi games will be the biggest international sporting event in Russia since the Moscow Summer Olympics of 1980, the report further said.