World Cup referee accused of 'White power' signal in broadcast; FIFA is investigating
It was seen in the feed of the VAR room during the match between Germany vs CuraƧao (7-1) that the Australian official seemed to make a 'White power' signal; FIFA confirmed that the incident was being investigated.
FIFA is investigating a World Cup broadcast incident in which Australian referee Shaun Evans was accused of making a 'White power' gesture while showing the video assistant referee (VAR) studio during Germany's 7-1 win over CuraƧao on Sunday.
In the clip that has gone viral on social media, Evans can be seen placing his hand in a position where the thumb and index finger come together with three fingers extended ā a gesture long known as the 'OK' sign, but in recent years also associated with the 'White power' symbol of extremist far-right groups. Some interpret it as the letter W from the three fingers and P from the shape of the thumb and forefinger.
According to a FIFA statement on Sunday, they are aware of the incident but declined to comment further; this Monday, they confirmed that they are looking into the matter. The Athletic has also provided the right to respond to the official through FIFA.
The Fare network, a well-known anti-discrimination group in football, issued a strong statement. "According to our experts, it clearly resembles the inverted 'OK' hand symbol that has long been used as a 'White power' symbol in global far-right circles," said Fare. "Why would a VAR supervisor at an international tournament use this symbol at the very moment he knows the camera is on? It's clear he's intentionally conveying a neo-nazi symbol." The group added that TV directors apparently stopped introducing the VAR panel to the audience in the next two games. Fare insisted that the global audience should not be exposed to any extremist symbols and that the official should be removed from any role in the World Cup if the accusation is proven.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has identified the hand sign as a hate symbol, but it also cautioned that one should be careful in judging the intentions of whoever uses it, as it still has traditional and other uses that have nothing to do with white supremacy.
In recent years, several incidents have made headlines related to similar moves: in 2018, the U.S. removed Coast Guard on response duty to an employee after being accused of making such a signal on TV; in 2019, the Chicago Cubs banned a fan from Wrigley Field for using it behind a broadcast; and in 2023, MLS club D.C. fired. United an athletic trainer after a photo surfaced on social media using an allegedly discriminatory gesture.
Evans, a former mason from the Australian state of Victoria, became a professional referee in 2016 after serving as a part-time official in the A-League since 2008. He has refereed more than 200 matches in Australia's top flight. He became a FIFA referee in 2017 and was selected as VAR at the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. He was again assigned as VAR in this edition of the tournament.
As FIFA's investigation continues, the issue remains sensitive between the traditional use of the 'OK' sign and its modern interpretation as a symbol of hatred. The public and teams are still waiting for the official explanation from the referee and the tournament organizer.
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