FIFA has asked for an explanation after a hand gesture made by video assistant referee Shaun Evans before Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao on Sunday at the World Cup.
Before matches, FIFA has been showing referees and VAR officials briefly as part of its global broadcast coverage. Referees walk to the touchline, with their names and roles displayed, while VAR officials are shown at the referee hub in Dallas.
In the VAR room on Sunday, Evans was seen standing with his arm down before making an upside-down “OK” sign with the fingers of his right hand while facing the camera.
The gesture has two widely known meanings — one harmless and another linked to far-right white supremacist groups, which has caused concern and debate online.
The incident quickly led to speculation on social media, with many questioning its meaning and intent.
BBC Sport reported that it had contacted FIFA several times for clarification but had not received an official response. However, sources said FIFA is now seeking answers from the Australian official.
After the match, there was a noticeable change in how VAR teams were shown on television. In the next three games, officials were no longer seen posing for the camera and were instead shown already facing their monitors, although their names still appeared on screen.
The gesture has also raised concerns from anti-discrimination groups. Fare network, which works with FIFA and UEFA, said it was looking into the matter.
“Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right circles,” Fare said.
Kick It Out, another anti-racism organisation, has also reportedly written to FIFA seeking clarification.
Evans, 38, has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2017 and previously officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He has also been active in Australia’s A-League since 2012 and refereed the league’s Grand Final in 2019.
FIFA has not yet explained the reason for the change in how VAR officials were shown after the incident.
