Football’s global governing body, the FIFA, is facing mounting pressure to investigate one of its Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials following an alleged discriminatory gesture during a World Cup match broadcast.
The incident reportedly occurred during the build-up to the Germany vs Curaçao fixture in Houston, United States, when Australian VAR supervisor Shaun Evans was seen on camera making an upside-down “okay” hand sign.
The gesture, formed by touching the thumb and forefinger in a circle while extending the remaining fingers, has been controversially linked in some online spaces to far-right symbolism.
According to reports, the gesture has previously been classified as a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League in 2019, although the group has also emphasized that interpretation depends heavily on context, noting it has been used both innocently and maliciously.
The Fare Network, a long-time partner of FIFA and UEFA in monitoring discrimination in football, strongly condemned the act and described the symbol as “neo-Nazi” in nature, calling for immediate action.
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In its statement, Fare Network questioned the presence of such a gesture during a globally televised tournament, stating that a VAR official should not be engaging in actions that could be interpreted as discriminatory while on duty.
“Why is a VAR supervisor using this symbol at a global football event at the very moment he knows the cameras are on him?” the group queried, urging FIFA to remove him from any further World Cup responsibilities.
The official’s intent remains unclear, and FIFA is yet to issue an official response on the matter. Evans is reportedly among 30 video match officials selected to serve at the ongoing tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As of press time, FIFA, led by President Gianni Infantino, has not commented on whether disciplinary or investigative measures will be taken.
The controversy has reignited debate over symbolism, intent, and interpretation in modern football, especially within the context of heightened scrutiny on discrimination and conduct at elite international competitions.
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