The Fifa World Cup 2026 was embroiled in yet another controversy but this time the referees too have their names written here.
Referee Shaun Evans has been accused by anti-discrimination campaigners of making a hand gesture associated with white supremacist groups during Germany’s World Cup game against Curacao in Houston on Sunday.
The incident took place when the television coverage cut to the VAR room during the game. That led to accusations that Evans appeared to make an upside-down & # 39;OK& # 39; hand gesture, a symbol better known in recent years as having ties to far-right and white nationalist movements.
The allegations have led to calls from Fifa to dismiss the official from its officiating panel for the tournament.
An otherwise ordinary television shot became instantly one of the most talked-about visions of the opening week of the tournament.
Screenshots and clips of the VAR room were circulating on social media, with observers also suggesting that Evans flashes an upside-down ‘OK’ sign while the cameras were on match officials
The symbol has been the subject of international controversy in the last decade.
Brenton Tarrant was seen making the same gesture during a 2019 court appearance after he killed 50 people in mosque attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Journalism at the BBC reported on extremist movements in which it claimed the upside-down ‘OK’ sign is also recognized as a hate symbol.
Anti-discrimination group demands action
Fare Network, which campaigns against discrimination in football, led the strongest response.
The group made the request in a sharp statement, demanding immediate action from Fifa against the official.
The gesture used is clearly an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol that corresponds to a ‘White power’ syllable in far-right circles around the world.”
This question: “Why is a VAR official using this particular gesture during an international football tournament, when he knows the cameras are on him?” Could only be that he is deliberately sending a far-right neo-nazi symbol, it concluded.
Those include UK-based Fare Network, which said no spectacle seen by a worldwide audience should be set against a background that could present extremist ideologies as acceptable.
In the two following matches however it seems TV directors are no longer introducing to the VAR panel to the TV audience: ” No one needs nor wants to see acquiring a world television audience of masses for extreme far right neo-Nazis drawing swastikas on their arms whilst expecting the TV to switch over and watch you play this match. There is clearly no further role for this official to play at this World Cup.
Fifa silent as questions mount
At the time of publication, Fifa had yet to make a public statement in relation to the allegations.
For years the governing body have promoted anti-discrimination campaigns and, repeatedly, insist that there is no place for racism, extremism and hate speech in football.
The lack of immediate reaction has also raised new questions about the incident in a climate where racism and sectarianism is under special scrutiny at some major sporting events.
It is unclear whether Fifa will follow up on the issue, contact Evans for clarification or take action against him.
Another off-field distraction for Fifa
The controversy is the latest off-field problem to mar a tournament that has already been dogged by disputes over its visa programme, immigration concerns and ticketing problems in the run-up to kick-off.