FIFA has cleared an Australian referee of any wrongdoing after he was accused of making a hate symbol on broadcast television during a World Cup game over the weekend.FIFA’s anti-discrimination monitor claimed video review official Shaun Evans intentionally flashed an “OK” sign with his right hand in front of his right leg during the Germany-Curacao match on Sunday. Video footage posted on social media shows the incident.The hand gesture gained prominence in 2017 on 4chan, where members claimed the gesture referred to “white power,” apparently as an elaborate internet hoax to ridicule the media by pretending the “OK” symbol was racist. Despite those origins, organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League believe the gesture has been appropriated by white supremacists as shorthand for “100% white.”
On Monday, FIFA confirmed Evans did not breach its code of conduct.
“FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee can confirm that, after looking into the matter involving support video assistant referee Shaun Evans, it has found no evidence of breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code,” the sports organization said. “The disciplinary committee has also taken note of Mr. Evans’ statement.”
Evans denied any ill intent on his part, claiming the gesture might have been an “involuntary, subconscious twitch” of his hand.
