FIFA’s monitoring partner for discrimination is advocating for the removal of a video assistant referee due to an incident perceived as a gesture linked to far-right extremism. This concern arose during a group stage match at the 2026 World Cup, where Australian VAR official Shaun Evans allegedly made an upside-down OK hand gesture, which was designated as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League years ago. The gesture’s association with incidents of violence, including the Christchurch mosque attacks, has heightened scrutiny around its use in sensitive contexts such as an international football tournament.
The Fare network, which has been collaborating with FIFA to monitor discrimination at major football events since 2015, is demanding Evans's immediate removal from officiating duties. They argue that the gesture is widely recognized in far-right circles as a hate symbol, rendering Evans unfit to participate in the tournament. FIFA has acknowledged the incident, yet it remains unclear what actions, if any, will be taken regarding Evans's situation.
Given the context of the 2026 World Cup, which features enhanced anti-discrimination measures, this incident underscores the critical role of vigilance in monitoring and combating discrimination. The Fare network's preventative strategies aim to ensure a more inclusive atmosphere during the event. Both Evans and Football Australia, the governing body overseeing his domestic officiating, have yet to provide public comments on this situation.
Understanding the implications of hand gestures in sports is essential. The ADL has noted that while most uses of the OK sign are innocent, specific situations, orientations, and contexts can change its meaning dramatically. A VAR booth during a high-stakes match is one such context. Here, hand signals lack the everyday communication role they might have elsewhere, raising questions about the intent behind an inverted gesture. This situation encourages deeper conversations about accountability and the importance of fostering safe environments in sporting events.