The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has recommended the suspension of VAR referee Sean Evans following allegations of racism. Evans officiated during a match at the 2026 World Cup between Germany and Curaçao, where he was seen making a controversial gesture.
During the match, a camera captured Evans displaying an inverted ‘OK’ sign. This gesture, which has been associated with white supremacy since 2019, involves three extended fingers forming the letter ‘W’ while the thumb and index finger create a ‘P.’
The Fare Network, an organization collaborating with FIFA to combat inequality in football, issued a statement condemning Evans’s actions. They questioned why he would use such a symbol at an international tournament, suggesting that the only explanation is a deliberate display of an ultra-right neo-Nazi symbol.
“Why would the referee use this symbol at an international tournament when he knows he is being filmed? The only explanation is that he is intentionally demonstrating an ultra-right neo-Nazi symbol. It is clear that this referee should no longer officiate at the World Cup,” the statement read.
FIFA has reached out to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the governing body of football in the country for comments on the incident. They noted that clarification is needed, as in Australia, a child’s game involves displaying an inverted ‘OK’ sign, which prompts a playful nudge when noticed.
As of now, FIFA has not provided any comments regarding the situation. Evans, who is among the selected 30 VAR officials for the World Cup, is expected to continue his duties until an official decision is made.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has proposed the suspension of VAR referee Sean Evans due to allegations of racism linked to a controversial gesture during a World Cup match. The situation is under review as FIFA seeks further clarification.