World Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove match official over hand gesture on TV broadcast
FIFA is investigating after a discrimination monitor called for Evans’ removal, saying the gesture resembled a white supremacist sign.
- FIFA is investigating Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans after he appeared to make an upside-down 'OK' gesture during Sunday's World Cup broadcast before Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao at Houston Stadium.
- While the gesture is traditionally used to signify approval, anti-discrimination network Fare warns it resembles a 'white power' symbol linked to global far-right circles in recent years; others defend it as the 'Circle Game,' a harmless prank.
- Professional consequences have followed similar accusations: the U.S. Coast Guard removed an employee in 2018 after comparable allegations, and DC United terminated an athletic trainer in 2023 for using the gesture on social media.
- The Anti-Defamation League urged FIFA to remove Evans from further officiating roles, stating a global audience should not be subjected to extremists using symbols during World Cup broadcasts.
- Evans, the 2024 PFRA Referee of the Year, is one of four Australian officials at the 2026 World Cup and has not yet commented publicly on the ongoing investigation.
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Asked the Australian Evans for the OK overturned before Germany-Curacao: "He should no longer have any role in the tournament"
FIFA urged to remove official over controversial gesture on TV
Geneva: FIFA’s discrimination monitor at the World Cup called Monday for a video review official to be removed for appearing to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign. When the official broadcast of Germany’s opening game against Curaçao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of video review analysts, Shaun Evans from Australia made an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. Though the game was played in Hous…
Australian Shaun Evan is one of those responsible for the review of the VAR; he participated in the match between Germany and Curacao
During the official broadcast of Germany's opening match against Curaçao this Sunday, Shaun Evans from Australia made an “OK” sign with his right hand in front of his right leg.
In any case, after Shaun Evans' move, FIFA changed the broadcasting protocol.
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