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FIFA is investigating a hand gesture made by video assistant referee Shaun Evans before Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup. The incident, which occurred during the pre-match broadcast introduction of VAR officials, has drawn accusations from anti-discrimination groups that the gesture resembled a far-right symbol.
What actually happened
During the broadcast ahead of the Group Stage match in Houston on June 14, Australian official Shaun Evans was shown making an “OK” hand gesture with his right hand positioned in front of his right leg. VAR operations for the match were being run from Dallas.
The Fare Network, an anti-discrimination organization that works closely with FIFA, flagged the gesture as resembling an upside-down version of a symbol co-opted by far-right groups. Fare has demanded Evans be removed from officiating duties for the remainder of the tournament.
FIFA has said it is seeking an explanation from Evans. No disciplinary action had been taken as of June 15, and the organization had not released a formal public statement beyond confirming the investigation.
The Anti-Defamation League added the “OK” hand gesture to its hate symbols database in 2019, while acknowledging that the overwhelming majority of its use remains completely innocuous.
Why this matters for FIFA’s crypto ambitions
FIFA announced a partnership with Avalanche in May 2025 to build a custom Layer-1 blockchain. The chain is designed to power digital collectibles and fan engagement products. FIFA also holds an existing sponsorship deal with Kraken, the major US crypto exchange, which became an official partner of the tournament.
What crypto investors should watch
There has been no observable price movement in AVAX or any related tokens tied to this specific incident. No market reactions or impacts to crypto initiatives have been reported.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
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