World Cup referee accused of making ‘White power’ gesture during game broadcast

Live updates

1. 25d ago

   FIFA clears Shaun Evans of 'white power' gesture allegation

   FIFA has cleared Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans of making a white supremacist gesture during Germany’s 7-1 World Cup win over Curaçao. Evans maintains the gesture was involuntary. Anti-racism groups continue to demand his removal despite FIFA’s decision. The controversy follows a week of disputes in the tournament.

   What's confirmed:

   • FIFA has cleared Shaun Evans of the white supremacist gesture allegation after reviewing the incident.
   • Evans has spoken publicly following FIFA’s decision regarding the accusation.
   • The incident occurred during Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao in the 2026 World Cup.
   • Evans has repeatedly denied making the gesture, calling it an involuntary twitch.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Anti-racism groups are still pushing for Evans’ removal despite FIFA’s ruling.
   confidence 95%
2. 25d ago

   World Cup VAR assistant Shaun Evans denies 'White Power' gesture amid calls for dismissal

   Australian referee Shaun Evans has denied making a white nationalist hand gesture during live TV coverage of Germany’s World Cup match against Curaçao. FIFA found no evidence to support the allegation, though anti-racism groups demand his removal. Evans described the gesture as an involuntary twitch. The incident remains under scrutiny as the tournament’s first week unfolds with multiple controversies.

   What's confirmed:

   • The alleged hand gesture occurred during live TV coverage of Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao on June 14, 2026, as Evans formed a circular shape with his thumb and index finger while extending the rest of his fingers.
   • FIFA has stated there is no evidence to support claims that Evans made a racist or white supremacist gesture during the broadcast.
   • Shaun Evans, the Australian video assistant referee, has described the gesture as an 'involuntary, subconscious twitch' and denied any intentional racist or white nationalist meaning.
   • Anti-racism groups, including the FIFA Discrimination Body, have called for Evans’ immediate removal following the controversy.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The gesture was interpreted by some viewers as a deliberate 'White Power' salute, though Evans and FIFA dispute this interpretation.
   confidence 88%
3. 25d ago

   FIFA clears VAR official after 'White power' gesture claims; no evidence found

   FIFA has found no evidence to support allegations that VAR assistant Shaun Evans made a racist or white supremacist hand gesture during the World Cup. Evans called the gesture an 'involuntary, subconscious twitch,' while anti-racism groups urge his removal. The incident occurred during live TV coverage ahead of Germany’s match against Curaçao.

   What's confirmed:

   • FIFA has found 'no evidence' of a racist or white supremacist gesture by VAR assistant Shaun Evans during the World Cup broadcast.
   • Evans described the gesture as an 'involuntary, subconscious twitch' and denied any racist intent.
   • The disputed hand signal occurred during live TV coverage ahead of Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
   • FIFA has stated there was no breach of its disciplinary code related to the incident.
   • Anti-racism monitoring groups have urged FIFA to remove Evans from officiating duties over the gesture.
   • The gesture was captured on camera in the VAR room before the match began.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The hand gesture resembles a white supremacist or neo-Nazi salute, according to multiple reports.
   • FIFA is seeking a formal explanation from Evans regarding the incident.
   • Some fans and anti-racism activists claim the gesture was deliberate and racist.
   confidence 88%