FIFA clears VAR official of code breach over hand gesture
FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee found no evidence of a breach after VAR official Shaun Evans made an “OK” hand symbol, which has been associated with white supremacy, during a World Cup broadcast. Evans claimed the gesture was an “involuntary, subconscious twitch” and denied malicious intent. He expressed regret for the interpretation.
FIFA announced on Monday that its independent disciplinary committee found no proof of a code violation after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official Shaun Evans was seen making a hand gesture before a World Cup match. Evans, an Australian referee, was observed during Sunday’s broadcast of the Germany-Curacao match making an “OK” hand symbol—a gesture designated as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League in 2019, associated with white supremacy. The symbol gained notoriety after its use by the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooter, who killed 51 Muslim worshippers.
Evans’s defense
Evans categorically denied any malicious intent, characterizing the movement as an “involuntary, subconscious twitch.” He expressed regret for how the gesture was interpreted but maintained that he did not “knowingly or deliberately” make the symbol. FIFA’s disciplinary committee accepted his explanation and closed the case. The incident had sparked widespread criticism, particularly from anti-racism groups and Muslim communities, who called for a thorough investigation.
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