VAR official Shaun Evans was given a clean chit by FIFA for a controversial signal.
Controversial video assistant referee Sean Evans has been suspended by FIFA following an investigation, according to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation.
During the global broadcast before the match between Germany and Curacao, images from the VR center in Dallas were shown showing Australian official Sean Evans making an inverted ‘OK’ style hand gesture at the camera.
Various meanings were taken from the movement on social media, including ‘a symbol associated with white supremacy’ and this topic immediately caused a debate.
🚨 CONTROVERSI VAR PIALA DUNIA!
Wasit VAR in the German vs Curaçao match, make the “OK” gesture.
Yang di kalang de extrem kanan ini adalah kode White Power.
Is this just a coincidence? An agenda memang ada? đź‘€
FIFA is investigating…
– Supporter Media (@supporter_media) June 15, 2026
An investigation by FIFA concluded that there was no evidence of a breach of the disciplinary code.
Shawn Evans stated that he was not aware of the act himself and that it was just an involuntary and reckless act.
According to him, other videos taken during the match also show him repeatedly making similar movements while holding the pen.
FIFA, the referee at the center of the controversy over an alleged “white power” move, has denied it was deliberate and instead called it a “mindless, subconscious mix-up”.
Ahead of Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao on Sunday, support the video assistant… pic.twitter.com/LVhDFL6VVK
– The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) June 15, 2026
The 38-year-old official said that refereeing the World Cup is the biggest honor of his career and will support his fellow referees in the remaining matches of the tournament.
He will be ready for future matches after the investigation is over.
