FIFA disciplinary panel finds no evidence against Shaun Evans over controversial hand gesture

FIFA's independent disciplinary committee has cleared World Cup video review official Shaun Evans after investigating a hand gesture that was alleged to resemble a symbol associated with white supremacist groups. The controversy emerged during Germany's 7-1 victory over Curaçao, when television coverage briefly showed Evans making an “OK” hand gesture while serving as an assistant to the video assistant referee at the tournament's broadcast centre in Dallas. Following a review, FIFA concluded that there was no evidence of a breach of its disciplinary code.

The incident attracted attention after the gesture, which involves touching the thumb and forefinger to form a circle while extending the remaining fingers, was interpreted by some observers as a symbol associated with white power movements. The New York-based Anti-Defamation League designated the symbol as a hate symbol in 2019, noting that its meaning depends heavily on context. The Fare network, an organisation that monitors racism and discrimination in football and works with FIFA and UEFA, argued that the gesture resembled a symbol used in far-right circles and called for Evans to be removed from the tournament.

In a statement released by FIFA, Evans denied intentionally making any gesture to communicate a political, ideological or discriminatory message. He said the movement was an involuntary and subconscious twitch and that he was unaware of making the gesture at the time. Evans added that images captured later during the match showed him repeatedly making similar movements while holding a pen between his fingers, which he said supported his explanation that the action was unintentional.

After examining the matter, FIFA's disciplinary committee stated that it found no evidence that Evans had violated any provision of the FIFA disciplinary code. The committee also took note of Evans' explanation while reaching its decision. The Australian official is working at his second FIFA World Cup and is among 30 video review analysts selected to officiate during the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Evans said the public reaction to the incident did not reflect who he is and reiterated that he neither knowingly nor deliberately made the symbol in question. He expressed regret over the interpretation of the gesture while stating that officiating at the World Cup remains the highest honour of his career. The Professional Football Referees Association welcomed FIFA's findings, saying Evans has consistently demonstrated professionalism, respect and integrity while also reaffirming its opposition to racism, discrimination and extremist ideologies.