FIFA clears VAR Shaun Evans over “OK” gesture: “No disciplinary breach”

● Australian official says hand movement was involuntary habit with pen; will continue at World Cup

FIFA has cleared World Cup VAR official Shaun Evans of any wrongdoing after an investigation into a hand gesture that went viral during Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao.

The Australian referee was filmed making an upside-down “OK” sign on the global broadcast feed before kickoff. The gesture sparked debate online because it can be read as a harmless prank, or as a symbol linked to white supremacist groups by far-right circles.

After reviewing footage from the referees’ centre in Dallas, FIFA concluded there was no evidence Evans breached the FIFA Disciplinary Code. He remains part of the tournament’s officiating team.

—Evans: “This does not reflect who I am”—

The 38-year-old strongly denied any intent. In a statement he said: “The coverage following this incident simply does not reflect who I am.

“I understand how the gesture has been interpreted and I regret this, however I want to be very clear and categorically say that I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested.”

Evans said it was an involuntary habit. He pointed to later match images showing him making the same motion repeatedly while holding a pen between his fingers.

“Officiating at the World Cup is the biggest honour of my career and I look forward to supporting my colleagues for the rest of the tournament,” he added.

–Why the gesture caused controversy–

Anti-discrimination group Fare, which works with FIFA and UEFA, said before FIFA’s ruling: “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right circles.”

The Anti-Defamation League added that version of the “OK” sign to its hate symbols database in 2019 after it was co-opted by extremist groups as a trolling tactic.

That context made Evans’ on-camera moment a lightning rod, even though context and intent were unclear.

—FIFA’s decision—

Despite the public debate, FIFA’s review of the Dallas VAR room footage found no grounds for disciplinary action. The case is now closed.

Evans will continue his duties at the tournament.

—Bottom line—

In the age of freeze-frames and viral clips, intent vs perception is a minefield for officials. FIFA sided with Evans on lack of intent, but the incident is another reminder that gestures carry weight on a global stage — whether deliberate or not.

[Rewritten story from BBC and Eagle Online]