FIFA's discrimination monitor at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has demanded the removal of VAR official Shaun Evans after he appeared to make a hand gesture associated with white supremacist ideology during a broadcast feed from Sunday's opening match between Germany and Curacao.

As the television broadcast cut to the VAR hub in Dallas, Evans — an Australian match official — was seen making an upside-down "OK" symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. While the gesture is also associated with the benign "circle game," the New York-based Anti-Defamation League (ADL) added it to its list of hate symbols in 2019 following its widespread adoption by far-right groups as a "white power" sign.

Fare network calls for Evans to be sent home

The Fare network, an organisation dedicated to combating discrimination and inequality in football, described the gesture as "neo-nazi" and demanded that Evans play no further part in 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. Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup," the Fare network said in a statement.

The Fare network also confirmed it is seeking official clarification on the matter from FIFA.

FIFA aware and seeking answers

FIFA is understood to be aware of the incident and is seeking an explanation from Evans regarding why he made the gesture. The governing body has not publicly commented on the affair.

A notable change in broadcast procedure was observed in the games that followed the Germany vs Curacao match: in every fixture up to and including that game, VAR officials had been shown facing the camera. Afterwards, the VAR teams were instead filmed at work, facing their screens. FIFA has offered no explanation for the change.

Sky Sports News contacted FIFA for comment. In Australia, both the Professional Football Referees Association and governing body Football Australia were also approached for comment.