FIFA is seeking clarification from Australian Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Shaun Evans after a hand gesture he made before Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao sparked widespread debate during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The incident occurred during FIFA’s pre-match broadcast segment, which introduces match officials and VAR teams to viewers around the world.
Key Highlights:
As cameras focused on the VAR hub in Dallas, Evans was seen briefly making an upside-down “OK” hand gesture while standing alongside fellow officials.
The gesture quickly drew attention on social media, where users speculated about its meaning.
While some argued it may have been a harmless reference to the popular “circle game” prank, others pointed to its association with white supremacist groups in recent years.
According to reports, FIFA has requested an explanation from Evans regarding the gesture, although the governing body has yet to issue an official public statement on the matter.
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The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a United States-based organisation that monitors hate symbols and extremist activity, added the “OK” hand sign to its database of hate symbols in 2019 after it became associated with far-right groups.
However, the ADL has also noted that the symbol continues to be used innocently in many contexts.
The Fare Network, an anti-discrimination organisation that works with FIFA and UEFA on combating racism in football, said it was also seeking clarification over the incident.
In a statement, Fare said the gesture “clearly resembles an upside-down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a white power symbol in global far-right circles,” while stressing the need to establish the context in which it was made.
Evans, 38, is one of Australia’s most experienced football officials.
He has been on FIFA’s international referees list since 2017 and served as a VAR official during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He has also officiated in Australia’s A-League since 2012, including the 2019 Grand Final.
Observers also noted a change in FIFA’s broadcast presentation following the controversy.
During three subsequent World Cup matches, VAR officials were shown facing their monitors rather than posing for the camera as they had previously done.
FIFA has not explained whether the adjustment was connected to the incident involving Evans.
The development comes as FIFA continues efforts to uphold its anti-discrimination policies during the World Cup, with football authorities facing increasing scrutiny over gestures, symbols and conduct that could be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive.
As investigations continue, attention remains focused on whether the gesture was an innocent act or one requiring disciplinary action.
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