**World Cup Racism Monitor Calls for Removal of VAR Official Over Controversial Gesture**
In a significant development at the ongoing World Cup, FIFA's discrimination monitor has urged the removal of a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official after he was seen making a hand gesture that resembles a symbol associated with white supremacy. The incident occurred during Germany's opening match against Curacao, which took place on June 11, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
The VAR official in question, Shaun Evans from Australia, was broadcasting from the World Cup's video review center in Dallas when he made the gesture, which is commonly interpreted as an "OK" sign. This gesture, however, has been designated as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) since 2019, due to its appropriation by far-right groups.
The gesture involves touching the thumb and forefinger to form a circle while the other fingers are extended. The Fare network, an organization dedicated to combating discrimination in football and a long-time partner of FIFA and UEFA, issued a statement condemning the gesture. They described it as resembling an upside-down "OK" symbol used in neo-Nazi circles, asserting that Evans should not continue in his role for the remainder of the tournament.
"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," the statement read. Fare emphasized the seriousness of the situation, questioning why a VAR supervisor would use such a symbol at a major international event, especially with cameras focused on him.
The context of Evans' gesture remains unclear. While some speculate it could be a playful reference to a children's game known as the "circle game," where participants attempt to trick others into looking at the gesture, the implications of using such a symbol in a public forum are significant. The "circle game" involves displaying the upside-down OK sign below the waist and playfully punching anyone who looks at it.
The ADL's director of the Center on Extremism, Oren Segal, previously noted that context is crucial in determining whether the "OK" symbol is being used in a hateful manner or as a benign gesture. He acknowledged that the symbol had gained enough traction as a hate symbol to warrant its designation by the organization.
As the World Cup continues, FIFA has not yet publicly commented on the incident, and inquiries from various media outlets, including Al Jazeera, have gone unanswered. Meanwhile, both the Professional Football Referees Association and Football Australia have been contacted for their perspectives on the matter.
The incident has raised broader questions about the presence of discriminatory symbols and gestures in sports, particularly in high-profile events like the World Cup. As the tournament unfolds in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the scrutiny on officials and their conduct is likely to remain heightened.
In the wake of the controversy, it has been reported that television directors have ceased introducing the VAR panel to audiences in subsequent games, possibly in response to the backlash stemming from Evans' gesture. This decision reflects an awareness of the potential ramifications of such incidents and the need for vigilance against symbols of hate in sports.
As the global football community grapples with issues of racism and discrimination, the call for accountability and sensitivity in the actions of officials is more pressing than ever. The outcome of this incident may have implications not only for Shaun Evans but also for the ongoing efforts to combat racism within the sport.