FIFA Rules on Referee Accused of Making Racist Symbol

FIFA has confirmed that Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans will not face sanctions following allegations that he made a white supremacist gesture. The governing body stated there was no evidence of wrongdoing by the 38-year-old official, who denied attempting to convey such a message.

The incident in question occurred before Germany's 7-1 victory over young Curaçao, when cameras focused on the referees in the VAR room. Evans appeared to make an inverted "OK" sign with his fingers, but the Melbourne-born referee dismissed suggestions that he did so intentionally. While this gesture historically signified a simple "OK," in recent years it has been co-opted by far-right groups. The three extended fingers symbolize the letter "W" (White), while the circle formed by the thumb and forefinger, combined with the line of the hand, forms the letter "P" (Power), collectively sending the sinister message of "White Power."

Evans released the following statement:

"I want to be clear that I did not intentionally make a hand gesture or symbol to convey a message, affiliation, or belief of any kind. The only explanation I can offer is that the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch, and I was unaware I had made it at the time. Footage taken later during the match shows me repeating this movement multiple times while holding a pen between my fingers. The backlash from this incident simply does not reflect who I am. Of course, I understand how the gesture was interpreted, and I regret that. However, I want to be very clear and unequivocally state that I did not consciously or intentionally make the alleged symbol with my hand. Officiating at the World Cup is the greatest honor of my career, and I look forward to supporting my colleagues for the remainder of the tournament."

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee found no evidence of wrongdoing by Evans, who has been an international FIFA referee for nine years, taking his statement into account. With this, the investigation has concluded.