FIFA clears VAR Shaun Evans after OK hand gesture probe

Video assistant referee Shaun Evans said an upside-down OK hand gesture he made during Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao was an involuntary, subconscious twitch.

Evans said he was unaware of making the movement and denied intentionally attempting to communicate any message, affiliation, game or belief.

FIFA cut to a shot of the VAR team at the referee hub in Dallas before the match on Sunday. Evans could be seen forming the fingers of his right hand into the gesture.

The gesture has two distinct meanings, one harmless and the other linked to white supremacy.

FIFA said after its investigation that it found no evidence of breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The incident drew heavy speculation on social media.

"The coverage following this incident simply does not reflect who I am," Evans said in a statement issued by FIFA.

"Of course, I understand how the gesture has been interpreted and I regret this, however I want to be very clear and categorically say that I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested."

Evans is available for selection for the rest of the tournament.

FIFA issued a short statement confirming the investigation but said the official would face no action.

The 38-year-old Evans said video evidence from the VAR room showed he had made involuntary movements.

"Images taken later during the match showed that I repeated this movement many times while holding a pen between my fingers," he said.

"Officiating at the World Cup is the biggest honour of my career and I look forward to supporting my colleagues for the rest of the tournament."

Before matches, FIFA has briefly focused on officials as part of its world feed coverage. The referee and team walk to the touchline with a graphic showing names and roles, then the picture cuts to the VAR team at the hub in Dallas.

When the camera cut to the VAR room on Sunday, Evans stood with his arm by his side before making the gesture.

There was a noticeable change in approach after the Germany-Curacao game. In later matches the officials were already facing the monitors when shown, though their names were still displayed.

The gesture is similar to one used in the circle game, a prank that became an internet meme. An upside-down OK signal made below the waist prompts a punch in the shoulder if another person looks at it.

In 2017 the OK sign also began to be used by the far right. The Anti-Defamation League added the symbol to its list of hate symbols in 2019.

The anti-discrimination Fare network, which partners with FIFA and UEFA, had called for FIFA to act. "Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down 'OK' hand symbol used as a 'white power' symbol in global far-right circles," Fare said.

BBC Sport understands anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out has written to FIFA seeking clarification.

Evans has been on the FIFA list of referees since 2017. He is an experienced VAR who officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In Australia he has refereed in the A League since 2012 and took charge of the Grand Final in 2019.