FIFA has ruled that there was “no evidence of breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code” after an investigation into a VAR official accused of making a hand gesture interpreted by some as a white supremacist symbol.
The official, Australian referee Shaun Evans, was seen on broadcast footage during Germany’s World Cup opener against Curacao making an inverted “OK” sign with his right hand while seated during VAR operations.
The gesture, commonly known in some contexts as part of the harmless “circle game,” has also been appropriated by extremist groups, with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) adding a similar symbol to its list of hate indicators in 2019.
Evans denied any intent behind the gesture, insisting it was accidental and not linked to any message or belief.
“I would like to clarify that I did not intentionally make a hand gesture or symbol to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind,” the Australian said in a statement.
He further described the movement as an “involuntary, subconscious twitch.”
After reviewing broadcast footage and official reports, FIFA confirmed the matter did not meet the threshold for disciplinary action.
Officials concluded there was no intent or contextual evidence suggesting misconduct, bringing an end to the controversy that had sparked debate online during the tournament opening round.
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