FIFA confirmed that Australian VAR official Shaun Evans faced no disciplinary action following an investigation into an incident captured during Germany's 7-1 win over Curaçao in Group E. Evans was filmed making what appeared to be an upside-down 'OK' sign, a gesture commonly associated with white supremacy, drawing immediate social media attention.
Evans immediately disputed the interpretation, stating the gesture was 'an involuntary, subconscious twitch' made without intention to communicate any offensive message. The 38-year-old official provided video evidence from the VAR room showing he had made the same hand movement multiple times while holding a pen between his fingers, consistent with an unconscious nervous habit rather than a deliberate signal.
After conducting its investigation, FIFA stated it found 'no evidence of breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code' and confirmed Evans would face no action. The Australian has been assigned as assistant VAR official to Mohammed Khamid for New Zealand's Group G encounter against Egypt at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on 22 June at 04:00 Moscow time.
Evans expressed his commitment to the tournament, stating 'officiating at the World Cup is the biggest honour of my career' and affirming his desire to support colleagues for the remainder of the competition. The swift investigation and clearance underscore FIFA's approach to addressing controversial incidents during the tournament.