News Focus
- FIFA has cleared Australian VAR official Shaun Evans of any wrongdoing
- Officials investigated claims he displayed a hand sign linked to extremist groups
- The probe found no violation of FIFA’s ethical guidelines
- Evans claims the movement was an accidental, unconscious twitch
- The incident occurred during the World Cup qualifier between Iran and New Zealand
FIFA has cleared Australian video assistant referee Shaun Evans following allegations about his conduct during a World Cup match. Football’s governing body launched a formal probe after viewers accused the official of making a hand gesture associated with white supremacist groups.
Investigators examined footage from the 2026 World Cup qualification clash between Iran and New Zealand. They concluded that there was no proof Evans had broken the organisation’s code of ethics.
The referee maintains that he did not make the sign deliberately. He states that he had no knowledge of the gesture until officials brought the matter to his attention after the match.
Evans described the action as an involuntary physical movement that happened without his conscious awareness. He explained that he was completely unaware of any unusual hand positioning at the time it occurred.
The investigation is now officially closed. Evans will face no disciplinary action and can continue his duties at the tournament immediately.