FIFA is reportedly investigating a World Cup official’s hand gesture that has been linked to “an expression of white supremacy”.
Australian ref Shaun Evans was in the VAR booth for Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao on Jattvibeday.
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Fifa are investigating after Shaun Evans appeared to make a controversial hand gesture Credit: ITV
Australian Evans was accused of making a signal linked to ‘expressions of white supremacy’ Credit: Getty
And he appeared to use his finger and thumb to make a signal with an upside down ‘OK’ sign.
JattvibeSport has reached out to Fifa for comment.
The gesture is said to be on the rise as a far-right symbol, though it can also be used casually to show approval.
Evans works as a referee for the Australian A-League and was selected as a VAR official for the World Cup clash.
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He was working alongside Hamza El Fario and assistant Nicolas Gallo who were working at the desk while Evans stood behind them in the clip.
Evans was seen smiling as he appeared to make the gesture before turning away.
And according to the Telegraph, Fifa are looking into the allegations.
The gesture was previously made by an official at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
The man was seen doing the signal during the women’s street skate finals.
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The incident came just before Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Curacao Credit: Getty
The unnamed man was later identified as a subcontractor by the Olympic Broadcasting Services.
They announced he had his accreditation cancelled immediately.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has claimed that the “overwhelming usage” of the gesture is to signal approval or satisfaction.
It says “particular care must be taken not to jump to conclusions about the intent” behind the gesture.
But it added that the symbol had become a “popular trolling tactic” from “right-leaning individuals, who often post photos to social media of themselves posing while making the gesture”.
The incident came before a massive win for Germany, who went ahead through Felix Nmecha in the opening six minutes.
Minnows Curacao then struck a stunning equaliser through Livano Comenencia before Germany took control.
Nico Schlotterbeck struck to give them the lead again before a penalty from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musialia added to the lead.
Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav also got in on the act before Havertz struck his second to make it a demolition job.
