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FIFA Clears VAR Evans of White-Power Gesture Allegation

6/16/2026

Summary

Evans Cleared

FIFA’s disciplinary committee cleared Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Shaun Evans of breach after a white-power gesture accusation.
Australian Evans was seen on a Dallas pre-match broadcast making an upside-down “OK” gesture below his leg.
FIFA said the gesture was a twitch and found no violation, despite anti-discrimination groups’ removal calls.
Broadcasters omitted VAR panel introductions for the next two matches, prompting Australia’s Professional Football Referees Association to welcome the ruling.

Summary

Evans Explains OK

Evans said the upside-down “OK” sign was an involuntary twitch he made.
The upside-down “OK” sign, from the children’s “circle game” on Malcolm in the Middle, entered the Anti-Defamation League’s hate-symbol list in 2019.
Evans, who has officiated over 200 A-League matches, a grand final, and served as VAR at the 2022 World Cup, noted the VAR hub camera was altered after the game to show officials facing monitors.

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Evans Cleared

FIFA’s disciplinary committee cleared Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Shaun Evans of breach after a white-power gesture accusation.
Australian Evans was seen on a Dallas pre-match broadcast making an upside-down “OK” gesture below his leg.
FIFA said the gesture was a twitch and found no violation, despite anti-discrimination groups’ removal calls.
Broadcasters omitted VAR panel introductions for the next two matches, prompting Australia’s Professional Football Referees Association to welcome the ruling.

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