FIFA closes VAR official's 'Nazi gesture' probe

FIFA has cleared VAR official Shaun Evans of making a white supremacist gesture during a World Cup match between Germany and Curacao. The controversy arose after Evans, an Australian assistant VAR referee, made an "OK" sign with his right hand, with three fingers pointing down, before the match.

While the "OK" gesture typically signifies agreement, its interpretation can vary. In certain contexts, and with specific hand positions, it has been associated with the "White Power" slogan used by extremist groups. The controversy was amplified by the fact that the same symbol was displayed by Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, during a court appearance.

“

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee can confirm that, after analyzing the case involving VAR assistant referee Shaun Evans, it found no evidence of a breach of the Disciplinary Code!

However, FIFA's Independent Disciplinary Committee investigated the incident and found no evidence of a breach of the Disciplinary Code. The organization confirmed that the case involving Shaun Evans had been reviewed and no violation was found.

Evans himself denied any intentional extremist messaging. "I would like to clarify that I did not intentionally make a gesture or hand signal to communicate any message, affiliation, game, or belief of any kind!" he stated, refuting any malicious intent behind his action.

“

I would like to clarify that I did not intentionally make a gesture or hand signal to communicate any message, affiliation, game, or belief of any kind!