FIFA cleared Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans of any disciplinary breach on June 15 [1] following an alleged white-power gesture.
The decision follows a period of scrutiny regarding the neutrality and conduct of match officials during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Any confirmed breach of the code of conduct by a referee could lead to immediate suspension and impact the integrity of the tournament's officiating.
The controversy stemmed from a group-stage match on Sunday between Germany and Curacao, which Germany won 7-1 [2]. During the game, cameras captured Evans making a hand sign that some observers linked to far-right extremist groups. The footage led to an investigation by FIFA's independent disciplinary committee to determine if the official had intentionally signaled a neo-Nazi or white-power sentiment.
FIFA's independent disciplinary committee found no evidence that Evans violated the organization's code of conduct. The committee concluded the movement was not a deliberate signal but rather a subconscious physical reaction. The governing body said that the gesture was an involuntary twitch [3].
"We found no evidence that Shaun Evans breached FIFA’s disciplinary code," the FIFA Independent Disciplinary Committee said [4].
Evans supported this finding, describing the incident as a physical anomaly. "It was an involuntary, subconscious twitch," Evans said [3].
FIFA officials emphasized that the investigation was thorough and that the evidence did not support a penalty. A FIFA spokesperson said the gesture was not intentional and does not constitute a violation of the organization's regulations [5].
Evans remains part of the officiating crew for the remainder of the tournament. FIFA has not indicated that further reviews of the footage will be conducted.
“"We found no evidence that Shaun Evans breached FIFA’s disciplinary code."”
This ruling prevents a potential diplomatic and sporting crisis during a high-profile global event. By classifying the gesture as a medical or subconscious twitch rather than a political statement, FIFA avoids the precedent of removing an official based on ambiguous visual evidence, while simultaneously attempting to quell accusations of extremism within its ranks.
