FIFA Probes VAR Official Over Controversial Hand Gesture At World Cup
World football governing body FIFA is seeking clarification from Australian VAR official Shaun Evans after a hand gesture he made before Germany’s 7–1 win over Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup triggered widespread debate online.
The incident happened during FIFA’s pre-match broadcast segment, where match officials and the VAR team are introduced to global viewers.
As the feed cut to the VAR hub in Dallas, Evans was seen briefly making an upside-down “OK” sign with his right hand while standing alongside his colleagues.
The gesture quickly drew attention on social media due to its multiple interpretations.
While it is often linked to the “circle game” prank, it has in recent years also been associated by some with extremist symbolism, prompting concerns and debate.
Although FIFA has not issued an official public statement, reports suggest the world football governing body is seeking an explanation from Evans over the incident. Anti-discrimination groups have also taken note of the controversy.
Following the episode, there appeared to be a change in FIFA’s pre-match VAR presentation.
In the next three matches after Germany’s victory, VAR officials were shown already seated and facing their monitors, rather than posing for the broadcast.
FIFA has not clarified whether the adjustment was connected to the incident.
Evans, 38, is one of Australia’s most experienced referees. He has been on FIFA’s international list since 2017 and previously served as a VAR official at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He has also officiated in the A-League since 2012 and took charge of the competition’s Grand Final in 2019.
The outcome of FIFA’s inquiry has yet to be confirmed, but the matter has become one of the tournament’s most talked-about off-field controversies.
BBC
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
