FIFA Clears Australian VAR Shaun Evans Over Controversial Hand Gesture

FIFA Clears Australian VAR Shaun Evans Over Controversial Hand Gesture Australian video assistant referee VAR Shaun Evans has been cleared of wrongdoing by FIFA after an investigation into a hand gesture he made during coverage of a 2026 FIFA World Cup match. The controversy arose before Germany’s 7–1 victory over Curaçao when television cameras briefly showed officials working at the tournament’s VAR hub in Dallas. Evans appeared to make an upside down “OK” hand sign, a gesture that has multiple interpretations but has also been associated with white supremacist groups in some contexts. The incident quickly sparked debate on social media and prompted criticism from anti-discrimination organizations. The football anti-discrimination network Fare Network called for Evans to be removed from the tournament, arguing that the gesture closely resembled a symbol used by far-right groups.Following a review, FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee concluded there was no evidence that Evans had breached the governing body’s disciplinary code. The organization said it found no basis for disciplinary action after examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a statement released through FIFA, Evans denied intentionally making any political, ideological or discriminatory gesture. “I did not intentionally make a hand gesture or symbol to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind,” Evans said. He explained that the movement was “an involuntary, subconscious twitch” and that he was unaware he had made the gesture at the time. Evans added that images captured later during the match appeared to show him repeating the same movement while holding a pen.The referee also expressed regret over the controversy, acknowledging that the gesture had been interpreted negatively by some viewers. However, he insisted that he had not knowingly or deliberately made the symbol in question.The hand sign at the center of the controversy was designated a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League in 2019 because of its adoption by some extremist groups. However, experts have noted that the symbol also has common, non-political uses, making context important when assessing intent. Evans, who is among the video review officials selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, said officiating at the tournament is the greatest honor of his career and that he looks forward to continuing his duties for the remainder of the competition.The ruling means Evans will remain part of FIFA’s officiating team despite calls from some campaigners for his removal. FIFA has maintained that its investigation found no evidence of misconduct and that the matter is considered closed.