World Cup referee Shaun Evans has been cleared by FIFA following an investigation into a hand gesture he made during Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curacao on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Evans, who was serving as ‘Support VAR’ for the match, was accused of making a “White power” symbol, an incident that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Footage from the match broadcast showed Evans making a signal where his thumb and index finger touched, with the other three fingers outstretched. While historically recognized as an “OK” sign or part of the “circle game” prank, this gesture has, in recent years, been co-opted by some far-right groups to symbolize “White power,” with the outstretched fingers forming a ‘W’ and the thumb and index finger creating a ‘P’.
The gesture under scrutiny
The anti-discrimination group Fare network was swift to condemn the gesture, releasing a strong statement regarding the incident. “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘White power’ symbol in global far-right circles,” the Fare network stated. “Why is a VAR supervisor using this symbol at a global football event at the very moment he knows the cameras are on him? It can only be that he is intentionally transmitting a far-right neo-nazi symbol.” The group further asserted that the official “should have no further role to play in this World Cup.”
FIFA, world football’s governing body, confirmed they were aware of the incident and launched an investigation to determine the context and intent behind the gesture. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), while characterizing the hand gesture as a hate symbol, advises caution in interpreting intent, noting its traditional meanings.
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Evans’ denial and FIFA’s verdict
Following its investigation, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee found no evidence of breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, as reported by Sky News correspondent Rob Harris on X. FIFA also took note of Evans’ denial, which was released by the governing body.
Evans himself issued a statement clarifying his actions. “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,” Evans explained. “The only explanation I can offer is that the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and I was unaware I had done it at the time.” He added that images taken later during the match reportedly showed him repeating the movement “many times while holding a pen between my fingers.”
“The coverage following this incident simply does not reflect who I am,” Evans continued. “Of course, I understand how the gesture has been interpreted and I regret this, however I want to be very clear and categorically say that I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested. Officiating at the World Cup is the biggest honour of my career and I look forward to supporting my colleagues for the rest of the tournament.”
The Athletic reported on the initial accusation and the dual meanings of the gesture, highlighting the controversy that engulfed the match official. Despite the initial uproar and the strong condemnation from anti-discrimination groups, FIFA’s investigation has concluded that Evans’ actions were not intentional or malicious, allowing him to continue his role in the tournament.
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