World Cup racism monitor requests removal of VAR official over gesture
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 9:19 AM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
FIFA's discrimination monitor called for the removal of VAR official Shaun Evans after he made a hand gesture during Germany's match against Curaçao on June 11. Video footage showed Evans making an 'OK' sign, which the Fare network identified as resembling a symbol used in far-right circles. The gesture was highlighted after a similar issue arose in 2019, when it was designated a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League. Fare insisted that Evans should not remain involved in the World Cup, questioning the appropriateness of his actions given the event's international scrutiny.
- •FIFA's monitor called for Shaun Evans' removal.
- •Gesture identified as linked to white supremacy.
- •Incident occurred during Germany-Curaçao match.
- •The OK gesture was previously designated a hate symbol.
- •Fare emphasizes need for scrutiny of officials.
- 9:19 AMYahoo Sports — Fifa urged to remove World Cup VAR official over alleged white supremacist hand gesture
- 8:39 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove match official over hand gesture on TV broadcast
"FIFA’s discrimination monitor at the World Cup called Monday for a video review official to be removed for appearing to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign. When the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of video review analysts, Shaun Evans from Australia made an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. “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 Fare network, a long-time partner of FIFA and European soccer body UEFA to monitor racist and discriminatory chants, flags and symbols at international games, said in a statement.
"Shaun Evans appeared to make an an ‘OK’ symbol during the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 9:19 AMFifa urged to remove World Cup VAR official over alleged white supremacist hand gesture
Shaun Evans appeared to make an an ‘OK’ symbol during the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday
- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 8:39 AMWorld Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove match official over hand gesture on TV broadcast
FIFA’s discrimination monitor at the World Cup called Monday for a video review official to be removed for appearing to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign. When the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of video review analysts, Shaun Evans from Australia made an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. “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 Fare network, a long-time partner of FIFA and European soccer body UEFA to monitor racist and discriminatory chants, flags and symbols at international games, said in a statement.
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