FIFA probes VAR official over controversial hand gesture at World Cup

By Enitan Abdultawab
World football governing body FIFA is seeking clarification from Australian video assistant referee (VAR) official Shaun Evans after a hand gesture he made before Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curacao at the 2026 World Cup sparked widespread debate on social media.
The incident occurred during FIFA’s pre-match broadcast segment, which introduces match officials and the VAR team to viewers around the world. As cameras switched to the VAR hub in Dallas, Evans appeared to briefly form an upside-down “OK” sign with his right hand while standing beside his colleagues.
The gesture immediately attracted attention online because it can carry different interpretations. Whil...