In brief
A VAR official caught on camera making an upside‑down ‘OK’ sign sparked social media backlash because the gesture is linked to far‑right iconography. FIFA investigated and found no evidence of misconduct, and Evans explained it was an involuntary, subconscious twitch. The incident went viral, but the governing body’s report clears him of any disciplinary breach. FIFA also updated its on‑screen VAR hub footage to reduce spotlight on officials after the controversy. Fans can still enjoy the games with no penalties for the referee.
When VAR official Shaun Evans was caught making an upside‑down ‘OK’ sign during the World Cup, speculation erupted about the gesture’s meaning.
The hand move, now used by far‑right groups as a white‑power symbol, was allegedly performed in a “subconscious twitch” according to Evans himself.
After a FIFA review found no disciplinary breaches, Evans stated, “I was unaware of making the hand movement and did it unintentionally.”
FIFA’s brief statement highlighted that video footage showed the gesture repeated while his hand held a pen, reinforcing it was involuntary.
Despite being cleared, the incident prompted heated debate online and led FIFA to alter pre‑match VAR hub shots, removing the team’s posed for cameras to reduce focused attention on individuals.
Fans now see the sport’s officials focussed on monitors rather than on their faces.
Check out more about how the World Cup is broadcast and watch the dynamic p5-gi game predictor on BBC Sport.
