Fans from all around the world are getting ready to watch and cheer for their teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, amongst this celebration, excitement, and joy for the long-awaited televised FIFA World Cup, there is one pressing issue that prevents many fans from truly enjoying the occasion.
Yesterday, Sunday, June 14th, 2026, during a live recording of a FIFA match between Curaçao and Germany, a particular gesture was flagged for reported similarity to a white supremacist sign. The sign, reportedly made by Shaun Evans, an assistant referee, depicted the “OK” sign upside-down, a common gesture that represents white supremacy and hatred.
According to NBC 4 New York, the gesture dates to 2019, “with thumb and forefinger touched in a circle and other fingers outstretched — was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League.”
And understandably, many people are not happy with this. Calling for Evan’s removal, fans and officials alike are voicing their disgust and disappointment at the obscene reported gesture.
Speaking to NBC Network, the Fare Network, which is a trusted partner of FIFA, explicitly expressed their desire for the removal of Evans, describing the symbol as “neo nazi”. Additionally, the Fare network went on to say how, “Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup,” in response to the gesture.
Many questions arise now: Was the gesture taken out of context? Was it intended to be harmful? Will FIFA remove the official? What will happen now?
Well, the ball lies in FIFA’s Court.
