FIFA Finds No Evidence of Racist Intent in VAR Official's 'OK' Gesture

FIFA, the international governing body of football, has concluded that it found "no evidence of intent" regarding a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official suspected of making a racist hand gesture.

In a statement, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced, "We have found no evidence that VAR official Shaun Evans intentionally made a racist gesture ahead of the match between Germany and Curacao held yesterday."

During the broadcast introduction of the VAR officials before the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E opening match between Germany and Curacao at Houston Stadium in Texas, U.S., on June 15, referee Evans made an 'OK' sign with his right hand.

This gesture, where the thumb and index finger form a circle while the other fingers are extended, is recognized as a symbol of white supremacy.

According to ESPN, the 'OK' gesture began as a prank on a far-right online message board a decade ago and subsequently became perceived as a signal of white supremacy.

Notably, the perpetrator of the March 2019 mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, which left 51 people dead, made the 'OK' gesture during his first court appearance, sparking controversy. Later that year, the gesture was designated as a "hate symbol."

Referee Evans denied that the 'OK' gesture carried any racist meaning.

He explained, "I did not make the gesture with any intent. It was an unconscious movement, and I was not even aware that I had done it," adding, "I am aware of how this gesture has been interpreted, and I regret it. However, I did not perform the action consciously or intentionally."

(Photo: Transfer News Live Facebook capture, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.