Intro
Anti-discrimination group raises concerns over symbol shown during broadcast
Geneva
FIFA’s anti-discrimination monitoring partner has called for a video review official to be removed from the ongoing FIFA World Cup after he appeared to make a hand gesture associated with white supremacist groups during a live television broadcast.
The controversy emerged before Germany’s opening World Cup match against Curaçao when the official broadcast briefly showed the team of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) analysts working at FIFA’s broadcast centre in Dallas. During the segment, Australian video review official Shaun Evans was seen making an upside-down “OK” hand gesture with his right hand.
The gesture, formed by touching the thumb and forefinger while extending the remaining fingers, has drawn scrutiny in recent years because of its association with extremist groups. In 2019, the gesture was added to the hate symbols database of the Anti-Defamation League, although experts have repeatedly stressed that context is crucial in determining intent.
The criticism came from the Fare Network, a long-time partner of FIFA and UEFA in monitoring racism, discrimination and hate symbols at international football matches. In a statement, the organisation said the gesture closely resembled a symbol used by global far-right and white supremacist movements and argued that Evans should play no further role in the tournament.
Fare described the gesture as inappropriate for an event of the World Cup’s stature and questioned why such a sign would be displayed while cameras were focused on match officials before kickoff.
FIFA has yet to issue a formal response regarding the incident. Requests for comment were also directed to Australia’s football authorities and the Professional Football Referees Association.
The circumstances surrounding the gesture remain unclear. It has not been established whether Evans intended any political message or was instead making what is commonly known as the “circle game” gesture, a long-running prank in which participants attempt to trick others into looking at an upside-down hand sign.
The symbol gained notoriety after being appropriated by extremist groups, initially as part of an online hoax that later evolved into a genuine hate symbol in some contexts. Experts have noted that the same gesture can still have harmless meanings depending on the situation.
Evans is one of 30 video review officials selected by FIFA for the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The incident has reignited debate over symbolism, intent and vigilance against discrimination at major sporting events.