World Cup official says twitch caused gesture resembling supremacist sign; FIFA says no breach

FIFA clears official after gesture row

FIFA has cleared Australian video assistant referee official Shaun Evans after a disputed hand gesture during the 2026 World Cup drew criticism from anti-discrimination groups and accusations that it resembled a white supremacist symbol.

Evans said in a FIFA-released statement that the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and that he had not intended to communicate any message, affiliation, game or belief. He also said later images showed he repeated the same movement while holding a pen between his fingers.

FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee said it found no evidence of a breach of the FIFA disciplinary code and accepted Evans’ explanation. The ruling means he has been allowed to continue his duties.

What viewers saw

The disputed gesture appeared on the television broadcast before Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao. The hand movement, shown near Evans’ leg while the camera focused on the VAR officials, immediately drew scrutiny because the upside-down OK sign has also been linked to white supremacist symbolism.

Fare, FIFA’s anti-discrimination partner, urged that Evans be removed from the tournament. Fare said the gesture clearly resembled a symbol used in global far-right circles. The Anti-Defamation League has also designated the gesture as a hate symbol, while noting that context matters in judging intent.

Why the ruling matters

The case is sensitive because World Cup officiating is under heavy public scrutiny and because FIFA’s anti-discrimination partner openly challenged the official’s continued presence.

For FIFA, the decision closes the immediate disciplinary question, but it leaves open whether Evans will be assigned to later matches and whether watchdog groups renew their calls for a tougher response.

The incident was first publicly reported on June 15, 2026, and later coverage through that day largely corroborated the same sequence: the gesture drew criticism, Evans gave his explanation, and FIFA concluded there was no breach.