Calls to Remove Video Referee Sean Evans Due to Controversial Signal

A scene that appeared before the Germany vs. Curaçao match in the 2026 World Cup sparked widespread controversy after Australian video referee Shaun Evans was seen making an "OK" gesture with his right hand during the introduction of the video referee team on the official broadcast. Although the match took place in Houston, the video referees operate from the tournament's broadcast center in Dallas. The Anti-Defamation League in the United States considers this gesture, in some contexts, a symbol used by far-right groups since 2019.

The "FARE" network, which specializes in monitoring racism and discrimination in stadiums and has been collaborating for years with FIFA and UEFA, called for Evans to be removed from the rest of the tournament matches. The network stated in its statement that the gesture "clearly resembles the white power symbol used by far-right groups globally," adding: "It is clear that this official should not play any further role in the World Cup," and also described the gesture as a "new Nazi symbol."

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has not yet issued an official comment on the incident. Additionally, the Professional Referees Association in Australia and the Australian Football Federation have been contacted for clarifications. It was unclear whether Evans intended a political message or was engaging in what is known as the "circle game," a gesture some children exchange in jest, which was later adopted by extremist groups after spreading through internet forums.

Evans is one of 30 video referees selected by FIFA to work in the 2026 World Cup held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The "Fair" network noted that "it is remarkable for a video technology supervisor to use this gesture at a global event, knowing that cameras are focused on him," adding that it observed that broadcast directors stopped presenting the video referee team to viewers during the following two matches.