FIFA Investigates Australian Referee Shaun Evans Over Alleged White Power Gesture
Australian VAR referee Shaun Evans is under FIFA investigation after making an inverted "OK" hand gesture during a broadcast before Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao on June 14, 2026. The gesture, linked to white supremacy by the Anti-Defamation League and the Fare network, sparked outrage. Fare called for Evans’ expulsion from the World Cup. FIFA acknowledged the incident and granted Evans a right to reply, while alternative interpretations, such as a school prank, complicate intent.
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Shaun Evans Officiating First World Cup Game After Being Cleared of Alleged White Power Gesture
Australian soccer referee Shaun Evans will serve as assistant VAR for the New Zealand vs. Egypt group-stage match in Vancouver on June 21, 2026, marking his first World Cup assignment since being cleared by FIFA's independent disciplinary committee. Evans was at the center of controversy after being captured making an upside-down 'OK' sign with his right hand, a gesture associated with White supremacist symbolism, while posing for cameras ahead of Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao on June 14. He denied knowingly making the gesture, describing it as an 'involuntary, subconscious twitch.' FIFA initially acknowledged the incident but concluded that Evans had not breached its disciplinary code. His statement expressed regret over how the gesture was interpreted and emphasized that it does not reflect his character. The 38-year-old will assist lead VAR Mohammed Khamid.
Soccer - The AthleticShaun Evans to Officiate First World Cup Match After Being Cleared of Alleged White Power Gesture
Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans will serve as the assistant VAR for the World Cup group-stage match between New Zealand and Egypt in Vancouver, his first assignment since being cleared by FIFA of making an alleged White supremacist hand gesture. The controversy arose when Evans was captured making an upside-down 'OK' sign before Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao on June 14. FIFA's independent disciplinary committee concluded Evans had not breached its disciplinary code. Evans described the gesture as an 'involuntary, subconscious twitch' and denied knowingly making the symbol. He was cleared on June 15 but had not been selected for any matches until this appointment. The 38-year-old will assist referee Mohammed Khamid in the Dallas-based VAR booth.
Soccer - The AthleticShaun Evans to officiate first World Cup game after being cleared of alleged white power gesture
Australian referee Shaun Evans will serve as assistant VAR for the New Zealand vs Egypt World Cup group-stage match in Vancouver on June 22, 2026. This is his first assignment since FIFA's disciplinary committee cleared him of making an alleged white supremacist hand gesture during Germany's match against Curacao on June 14. Evans was filmed making an upside-down 'OK' sign, which he called an 'involuntary, subconscious twitch' and denied any malicious intent. FIFA initially acknowledged the incident but declined comment until its independent panel found no breach of the disciplinary code. The 38-year-old had not been selected for any matches since being cleared on June 15 until this appointment.
Soccer - The AthleticVAR Official Shaun Evans Returns to World Cup Duty After FIFA Clears Him of Hand Gesture Controversy
Video assistant referee (VAR) official Shaun Evans will return to duty for the World Cup match between New Zealand and Egypt on Sunday in Vancouver. This is his first appointment since a FIFA investigation cleared him of making an inappropriate hand gesture during Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao. The Australian referee was seen making an upside-down 'OK' sign—a gesture associated with white supremacy—during a pre-match camera shot of the VAR team. Evans insisted it was an involuntary, subconscious twitch, and FIFA found no evidence of disciplinary breaches. He stated that video evidence showed he repeated similar movements while holding a pen. Following the incident, FIFA changed pre-match rituals so VAR officials now face their monitors instead of posing for the camera.
BBC SportFIFA Clears Australian Referee Shaun Evans of Intentional White Supremacy Gesture During Germany-Curaçao Match
Australian referee Shaun Evans has been cleared by FIFA after an investigation into a hand gesture he made during a World Cup broadcast of the Germany-Curaçao match. The gesture, resembling the 'OK' symbol, has been associated with white supremacy in certain contexts. Evans denied any intentional wrongdoing, describing the movement as 'involuntary and unconscious.' He noted that he repeated the movement many times while holding a pen. FIFA's independent Disciplinary Committee found no evidence of a regulatory violation, allowing Evans to continue his duties as a member of the 2026 World Cup refereeing team. The controversy highlights the dual meaning of the symbol, which also has common non-political uses.
FútbolFIFA Clears Australian Referee Shaun Evans of Neo-Nazi Gesture Accusation
Australian video referee Shaun Evans faced criticism for a hand gesture made during a World Cup match involving the German national team. The international anti-racism network Fare described the gesture as 'neo-Nazi' symbolism, sparking public debate. Evans defended himself against the accusations, stating the gesture was misinterpreted. FIFA investigated the incident but ultimately found no violation of its disciplinary code, clearing the referee of any wrongdoing. The controversy highlights ongoing sensitivities around symbols and gestures in international sports, particularly in high-profile events like the World Cup.
Nachrichten - WELTFIFA Clears Australian Referee of Misconduct Over Controversial Gesture
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has concluded its review of Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans, finding no evidence that he violated the organization's disciplinary code. The controversy arose before a World Cup match between Germany and Curacao, when broadcast footage showed Evans making a gesture resembling an inverted 'OK' sign with his right hand. This gesture can be interpreted as either a harmless joke or a 'white power' symbol used by far-right circles, sparking social media backlash. Evans denied any intentional expression, stating in a FIFA-released statement that the action was an 'involuntary, subconscious tic' and that he was unaware of making it. He noted that post-match video review showed him repeatedly making similar gestures while holding a pen. Anti-discrimination organization Fare had called for Evans' removal from the World Cup officiating team, arguing the gesture clearly resembled the far-right symbol. However, FIFA's independent disciplinary committee found no violation. Evans, 38, from Australia, previously officiated at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and remains eligible to continue in the current tournament.
虎扑 - 足球FIFA Clears Referee Shaun Evans of White Supremacist Gesture Accusation at 2026 World Cup
FIFA has cleared Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans of any disciplinary violation after he was accused of making a hand gesture associated with white supremacy during the 2026 World Cup match between Germany and Curaçao. The gesture, an inverted 'OK' sign, was captured in a fleeting camera shot. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee stated that after examining the case, no evidence of a violation of the FIFA Disciplinary Code was found. Evans defended himself by claiming the gesture was an unintentional result of an 'involuntary and unconscious tic.' The controversy drew comparisons to a similar incident at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where an official had their accreditation revoked for making the same gesture during the women's skateboard final.
Home Football - actualitésAVAR Shaun Evans Calls Controversial Gesture an Involuntary Spasm, Cleared by FIFA
Shaun Evans, the Video Assistant Referee (AVAR) involved in a controversial gesture during the Germany-Curaçao World Cup match, has responded by stating that the movement was an involuntary and subconscious spasm. FIFA has cleared Evans of any wrongdoing, confirming that it found no evidence of violations of the Disciplinary Code. The incident, which occurred during the 2026 World Cup, sparked significant debate and media attention. Evans' explanation and FIFA's clearance aim to put the matter to rest, though the gesture continues to be discussed in sports circles.
RecordWorld Cup Referee Shaun Evans Denies Right-Wing Gesture After Germany vs. Curaçao Match
Australian referee Shaun Evans (38) has faced intense criticism after a hand gesture he made during a TV broadcast of the World Cup match between Germany and Curaçao (7-1) was interpreted as a right-wing extremist symbol. The gesture, forming a circle with thumb and index finger while extending other fingers, is used by some groups as a 'White Power' sign. Evans, shown briefly in the VAR room before kickoff in Houston, vigorously denied any intentional wrongdoing in a statement released by FIFA. He claimed the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch he was unaware of at the time. While the gesture is also commonly used as an 'OK' sign, its association with extremist symbolism has sparked debate. FIFA has not yet commented on potential consequences for the referee.
BILD - SportVAR Official Shaun Evans Says Hand Gesture Was Involuntary Twitch After Fifa Clears Him
Video assistant referee Shaun Evans has denied intentionally making an upside-down 'OK' hand gesture during a World Cup broadcast before Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao. Evans described the movement as an 'involuntary, subconscious twitch' and stated he was unaware of making it. Fifa investigated the incident, which drew speculation on social media due to the gesture's dual meanings—one harmless and another associated with white supremacy. The governing body found no evidence of disciplinary code breaches and cleared Evans. The Australian official explained that video evidence showed he repeated similar movements while holding a pen. Fifa subsequently changed its pre-match broadcast procedure, no longer showing VAR officials facing the camera. Professional Football Referees' Association (PFRA) in Australia welcomed the outcome, affirming Evans' professionalism and integrity.
BBC SportWorld Cup official accused of 'white power' gesture breaks silence as FIFA make decision
FIFA has confirmed that Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans will not face disciplinary action after being accused of making a white supremacist gesture during the World Cup. The incident occurred before Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao when cameras showed Evans appearing to make an upside down 'OK' sign in the VAR room. The 38-year-old official denied any intentional communication or affiliation with the gesture. FIFA stated there was no evidence of a breach. Evans broke his silence to dismiss the suggestion that he made the gesture intentionally, maintaining it was not a symbol to convey any message.
Mirror - FootballVAR Official Shaun Evans Denies Intentional Hand Gesture, Calls It Involuntary Twitch
Video assistant referee Shaun Evans has denied intentionally making a hand gesture that some interpreted as a white supremacy symbol during a World Cup 2026 match between Germany and Curacao. Evans, who was shown on camera making an upside-down 'OK' sign with his right hand at the VAR hub in Dallas, stated the gesture was 'an involuntary, subconscious twitch' that he was unaware of. FIFA investigated the incident and found no evidence of a breach of its disciplinary code. Evans expressed regret over how the gesture was interpreted but firmly denied any deliberate intent to communicate a message or affiliation. The incident sparked widespread speculation on social media.
BBC SportControversy over referee at Germany match – gesture said to be 'neo-Nazi'
An Australian video referee, Shaun Evans, is at the center of a controversy at the 2026 World Cup after making a hand gesture before the Germany-Curaçao match. The anti-racism network Fare is calling for his removal, claiming the 'OK' sign formed with his thumb and index finger resembles an inverted 'White Power' symbol used by far-right groups. The gesture was captured during the TV broadcast and spread on social media. Fare, which works with FIFA and UEFA, demands Evans be excluded from further World Cup assignments. However, the gesture's meaning is disputed: it is also part of the 'Circle Game' children's game common in the US and Australia, where looking at the sign results in a playful punch. The Anti-Defamation League added the symbol to its hate symbol database in 2019 but emphasizes context is key. FIFA has not yet responded publicly.
Nachrichten - WELTWorld Cup Video Referee Sparks Controversy Over Alleged Far-Right Hand Gesture
Video referee Shaun Evans (38) is at the center of a controversy after making a hand gesture during Germany's 7-1 World Cup opening match against Curaçao. The gesture, forming a circle with thumb and index finger while extending other fingers, has been interpreted by some as a 'White Power' symbol used by far-right groups. The anti-discrimination network Fare has called for Evans to be removed from the tournament, stating that a global audience should not be confronted with neo-Nazi symbols. FIFA has reportedly launched an investigation, though no official statement has been made. Evans has not commented. The gesture also has benign interpretations, including as an 'OK' sign, a diving signal, or part of a children's game. Evans, an Australian, previously served as a video referee at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
BILD - SportCalls for World Cup VAR Official Shaun Evans to Be Removed Over Alleged White Supremacist Hand Gesture
FIFA's discrimination monitor at the 2026 World Cup has called for the removal of VAR official Shaun Evans from Australia after he appeared to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist symbol during Germany's opening match against Curacao. The upside-down 'OK' symbol, made with his right hand in front of his leg, is used in the harmless 'circle game' but has been listed as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League since 2019. The Fare network, which combats discrimination in football, described the gesture as 'neo-nazi' and demanded Evans be sent home. FIFA is aware of the incident and seeking an explanation from Evans. Following the match, broadcast camera angles of the VAR hub were changed, though FIFA has not commented on the reason. Sky Sports News has contacted FIFA, Football Australia, and the Professional Football Referees Association for comment.
SkySports | NewsFIFA Investigates VAR Referee Shaun Evans Over Alleged White Supremacist Gesture During Germany-Curaçao Match
Australian VAR referee Shaun Evans is under investigation by FIFA after being accused of making a gesture associated with white supremacy during Germany's 7-1 victory over Curaçao on Sunday. The gesture, where the thumb and index finger meet while other fingers extend, forms an 'OK' sign that has been co-opted by far-right groups as a 'white power' symbol. Cameras captured the gesture in the VAR studio during the match. The anti-discrimination network Fare stated the gesture was clearly intentional and resembled an inverted 'OK' hand sign used in international far-right circles. FIFA confirmed it is aware of the incident and is seeking answers from Evans, but declined further comment. Fare, a close partner of FIFA in combating discrimination, called the act a deliberate conveyance of a far-right neo-Nazi symbol.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuFifa Seeks Explanation Over VAR Official's Upside-Down OK Hand Gesture
Fifa is investigating a hand gesture made by Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans before Germany's 7-1 World Cup win over Curacao on June 14, 2026. During a pre-match broadcast segment showing the VAR team in Dallas, Evans was seen making an upside-down 'OK' sign with his hand below his waist. The gesture has two meanings: one is a harmless prank from the 'circle game' popularized by the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, and the other is a known white supremacist symbol added to the Anti-Defamation League's hate symbols list in 2019. The anti-discrimination Fare network, which partners with Fifa, said the gesture 'clearly resembles' a white power symbol. BBC Sport reports that after the incident, Fifa changed its pre-match VAR camera shots for three subsequent matches, showing officials facing their monitors instead of posing for the camera. Evans, 38, has been a Fifa-listed referee since 2017 and worked at the 2022 World Cup.
BBC Sport2026 World Cup VAR Referee Under FIFA Investigation for Suspicious Gesture
Australian VAR referee Shaun Evans is under FIFA investigation after allegedly making a hand gesture resembling an inverted 'OK' sign, which is associated with white supremacist groups, during the 2026 World Cup Group E match between Germany and Curacao. FIFA confirmed awareness of the incident via a spokesperson to The Athletic, and The Telegraph reported that an official investigation has been opened. No official statement has been issued yet. The incident has sparked controversy and media scrutiny, with further updates expected.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertWorld Cup VAR Official Accused of White Supremacist Hand Gesture
During a World Cup match between Germany and Curacao, a VAR official was accused of making a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign. FIFA's discrimination monitor at the tournament called for the official's removal. The incident was reported by Sky Sports football journalist Geraint Hughes, highlighting ongoing concerns about discrimination in international football. The gesture, which appeared to mimic a known white supremacist symbol, sparked immediate controversy and a demand for action from FIFA's monitoring body.
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