NEW DELHI: A controversy has erupted at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after referee Shaun Evans was accused of making a hand gesture linked to white supremacist groups during Germany's match against Curacao in Houston. The incident occurred when the television broadcast cut to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room, with critics claiming Evans displayed an upside-down 'OK' sign.
The gesture has been embroiled in previous controversies and is associated with far-right groups. Reports indicate that the same symbol was used by Brenton Tarrant during a court appearance in 2019 following the New Zealand mosque attacks that killed 50 people. The BBC has also listed the upside-down 'OK' sign among recognized hate symbols.
Anti-discrimination body Fare Network has called on FIFA to remove Evans from the World Cup officiating panel. In a strongly-worded statement, the organization said, “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. Why is a VAR supervisor using this symbol at a global football event at the very moment he knows the cameras are on him? It can only be that he is intentionally transmitting a far-right neo-nazi symbol.”
Fare Network added, “We note that in the two subsequent games it appears TV directors have stopped introducing the VAR panel to the TV audience. A global television audience should not be subjected to extremist far right individuals using neo-Nazi symbols as they prepare to watch a match. Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup.”
FIFA has not yet issued any response to the allegations. The incident has sparked widespread debate and calls for action from various quarters.
