A racism monitoring group has urged FIFA to remove Australian VAR official Shaun Evans from the World Cup 2026 following a controversial hand gesture during a broadcast.

Context

The gesture made by Evans has been interpreted as resembling a symbol associated with white supremacy, raising concerns about racism in sports officiating.S1S2

Key points

• Shaun Evans made an 'OK' sign during a broadcast of a World Cup match.S2

• The gesture has been linked to far-right circles as a symbol of white power.S2

• FIFA's discrimination monitor has called for Evans' removal from his officiating role.S1S2

• The incident occurred during the opening game of Germany against Curaçao.S2

• The gesture was captured when the broadcast showed the VAR officials before the match.S2

• The call for removal highlights ongoing concerns about racism in sports.S1

• The 'OK' symbol has been co-opted by some as a sign of white supremacy in recent years.S2

• This incident adds to the scrutiny of officiating standards in major tournaments.S1

Why it matters

• The incident underscores the need for vigilance against racism in sports officiating.S1

• It raises questions about the accountability of officials in high-stakes tournaments.S2

• The response from FIFA could set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future.S1

What to watch

• Monitor FIFA's response to the call for Evans' removal and any subsequent actions taken.S1

• Watch for reactions from players and teams regarding officiating standards and racism.S2

• Keep an eye on discussions about the implications of gestures and symbols in sports culture.S1