FIFA has cleared Australian referee Shaun Evans of any wrongdoing after investigating claims that he made a white supremacist hand gesture during a World Cup match.
Evans, who was serving as a support video assistant referee during Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curacao on Sunday, was seen on television placing his thumb and index finger together to form a circle.
The gesture drew attention on social media due to its association with certain far-right extremist groups, prompting FIFA to launch an investigation.
Following its review, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee found no evidence that Evans had breached the organisation’s disciplinary code.
“After looking into the matter involving support video assistant referee Shaun Evans, it has found no evidence of breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” FIFA said in a statement.
Evans strongly denied any intentional wrongdoing and said the movement was an unconscious action.
“I would like to clarify that I did not intentionally make a hand gesture or symbol to communicate a message, affiliation, game or belief of any kind,” he said.
“The only explanation I can offer is that the movement was an involuntary, subconscious twitch and I was unaware I had done it at the time.”
The Australian official acknowledged the public reaction to the incident and expressed regret over how the gesture had been interpreted.
“I want to be very clear and categorically say that I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested,” Evans added.
The matter is now considered closed following FIFA’s investigation.
