FIFA is seeking an explanation from video assistant referee Shaun Evans after a hand gesture he made before Germany’s World Cup match against Curacao sparked debate online.
The incident happened during FIFA’s pre-match broadcast on Sunday. The governing body has not yet issued a public statement. However, reports suggest FIFA has asked the Australian official to explain the gesture.
Gesture Draws Attention Online
Before kick-off, FIFA introduced the match officials as part of its television coverage. The broadcast then switched to the VAR hub in Dallas, where video officials were preparing for the match.
During the segment, Evans briefly formed an upside-down “OK” sign with his right hand. Social media users quickly noticed the gesture and began discussing its possible meaning.
Some people linked it to the “circle game,” a popular prank. Others raised concerns because some far-right groups have used a similar symbol in recent years.
As a result, the incident attracted widespread attention online.
Anti-Discrimination Group Seeks Clarification
The Fare Network, which works with FIFA and UEFA on anti-racism efforts, said it is seeking clarification.
According to the organisation, the gesture closely resembles an upside-down “OK” sign that some extremist groups have used as a “white power” symbol.
The Anti-Defamation League added the symbol to its database of hate symbols in 2019. However, the organisation also notes that people often use the gesture without any extremist intent.
FIFA Coverage Changes After Incident
Following the Germany-Curacao match, FIFA changed how it showed VAR officials during pre-match broadcasts.
In the next three World Cup matches, cameras still showed the VAR hub. However, the officials focused on their monitors instead of looking directly at the camera.
FIFA has not explained whether the change was connected to Sunday’s incident.
Experienced Official
Evans is one of Australia’s most experienced football officials. He joined FIFA’s international referees list in 2017 and worked as a VAR official at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He has also officiated in Australia’s A-League since 2012 and took charge of the league’s Grand Final in 2019.
For now, FIFA continues to review the matter. The governing body is expected to determine whether the gesture carried any intended meaning or was simply an innocent action caught on camera.
