World Cup racism monitor urges FIFA to remove VAR official over gesture

A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official, Shaun Evans, is facing calls for his removal from the ongoing World Cup following an alleged controversial hand gesture made during a pre-match broadcast. The incident occurred before Germany's game against Curaçao on Sunday, where the Australian official was seen making an "OK" sign with his right hand in a video segment.

The Fare network, FIFA's official discrimination monitor, has urged the organization to suspend Evans, asserting that the gesture closely resembles a "white power" symbol recognized in far-right circles and designated as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League in 2019. Although the official's intentions are unclear, with some suggesting it might have been an innocent "circle game," the controversy has reportedly led broadcasters to stop introducing VAR officials in subsequent World Cup matches. FIFA has not yet issued an official comment on the matter.