Overview
- Video of Australian VAR official Shaun Evans forming an inverted 'OK' sign circulated after the world‑feed showed the VAR hub during Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao on Sunday.
- FIFA has said it is aware of the footage and is seeking an explanation from Evans, and multiple outlets report an investigation is expected.
- The Fare network, FIFA’s anti‑discrimination partner, said experts view the gesture as resembling a white‑power symbol and demanded Evans be removed from the tournament.
- The gesture has contested meanings: the Anti‑Defamation League lists the inverted 'OK' as a hate symbol while experts note it is also used innocently or as the playground 'circle game', so intent will be central to any disciplinary decision.
- Broadcasters have changed pre‑match shots to avoid showing VAR officials to camera, neither Evans nor Football Australia have commented publicly, and the episode raises reputational and procedural questions for FIFA’s officiating oversight.