In brief
FIFA’s investigation found no breach of its disciplinary code after video evidence showed VAR official Shaun Evans made an unconscious hand gesture seen on live footage during Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao. Fans and anti‑discrimination groups criticised the gesture, linking it to a far‑right symbol, but the official insists it was involuntary. FIFA will permit Evans to continue officiating, while the World Cup’s TV coverage of VAR teams has been altered to focus on monitors rather than camera poses. The situation highlights the scrutiny referees face and the broader conversation about symbolic gestures in sport.
VAR Official Clarifies ‘OK’ Gesture Was Involuntary
During the World Cup match that saw Germany thrash Curacao 7-1, footage cut to the VAR hub in Dallas briefly showed Australian referee Shaun Evans holding his right hand in an upside‑down “OK” sign. The gesture sparked a torrent of criticism online, with some claiming it was a far‑right symbol.
FIFA’s own investigation, released on 15 June 2026, concluded that Evans’ movements were an involuntary, subconscious twitch. Video evidence showed him repeatedly making the gesture while holding a pen between his fingers; the organisation found no violation of its Disciplinary Code and cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Evans issued a statement through FIFA saying he was unaware of the hand movement, “I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested.” He also noted that he remains available for the remaining matches of the tournament.
The incident prompted discussion around the use of hand signs in sport. While the gesture is neutral in some contexts—often seen in the “circle game” joke—anti‑discrimination groups like Fare and Kick It Out have pointed out its overlap with symbols used by white supremacists, adding that the gesture has been added to the Anti‑Defamation League’s list of hate symbols.
Following the controversy, FIFA’s world‑feed coverage of the VAR teams has changed. Instead of filming the officials looking at the camera, the new broadcasts focus on them viewing the monitors in their hub, with no added camera poses.
This episode underscores the heightened scrutiny referees face during high‑profile tournaments and the broader conversation about symbolic expressions in sport.
