The head of the International Olympic Committee has asked Russia to explain how its new law on gay propaganda might affect next year's Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Jacques Rogge said in Moscow that Russian written reassurances over the Winter Olympics needed clarification, adding it was probably a translation issue.
Russia has recently passed a law imposing heavy fines for providing information about homosexuality to people under 18. Critics say its loose interpretation effectively hinders any kind of public gay rights event in Russia.
British broadcaster Stephen Fry is leading calls for the games to moved to another country in protest at the law.
The IOC told the BBC 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.
However, Mr Rogge said on Friday that there were still uncertainties, despite written assurances received from Sochi organiser Dmitry Kozak.
"We are not clear about the English translation of the Russian law and we want clarification of this translation to be able to understand what has been communicated to us. This is about a couple of paragraphs - we don't understand all the details because of probably a difficulty in translation."
US President Barack Obama said on Friday he did not consider it appropriate to boycott the Winter Olympics over the gay rights issue. Instead he hoped gay and lesbian athletes would do well at the games.
New Zealand diplomats are seeking assurance from Russian authorities that athletes and supporters won't be harrassed.
Homosexuality was decriminalised in Russia in 1993 and government officials have sought to play down the possible impact of the bill on the Sochi games.
