FIFA has cleared an Australian referee of any wrongdoing after he was accused of making a hate symbol on broadcast television during a World Cup game over the weekend.
FIFA’s anti-discrimination monitor claimed video review official Shaun Evans intentionally flashed an “OK” sign with his right hand in front of his right leg during the Germany-Curacao match on Sunday. Video footage posted on social media shows the incident.
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The hand gesture gained prominence in 2017 on 4chan, where members claimed the gesture referred to “white power,” apparently as an elaborate internet hoax to ridicule the media by pretending the “OK” symbol was racist. Despite those origins, organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League believe the gesture has been appropriated by white supremacists as shorthand for “100% white.”
On Monday, FIFA confirmed Evans did not breach its code of conduct.
“FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee can confirm that, after looking into the matter involving support video assistant referee Shaun Evans, it has found no evidence of breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code,” the sports organization said. “The disciplinary committee has also taken note of Mr. Evans’ statement.”
Evans denied any ill intent on his part, claiming the gesture might have been an “involuntary, subconscious twitch” of his hand.
“I did not intentionally make a hand gesture or symbol to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind,” Evans said. “The only explanation I can offer is that the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and I was unaware I had done it at the time. Images taken later during the match showed that I repeated this movement many times while holding a pen between my fingers.”
“The coverage following this incident simply does not reflect who I am,” he added. “Of course, I understand how the gesture has been interpreted and I regret this, however I want to be very clear and categorically say that I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested. Officiating at the World Cup is the biggest honor of my career and I look forward to supporting my colleagues for the rest of the tournament.”
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Sunday’s game was the first that Evans oversaw for this year’s international soccer tournament. He worked at the last World Cup in 2022.
Australia’s Professional Football Referees Association welcomed FIFA’s determination, saying Evans “has consistently represented the values expected of football officials: professionalism, respect, and integrity.”
