FIFA clears World Cup VAR official who shared statement after hand gesture controversy

FIFA has cleared Australian VAR official Shaun Evans following controversy over a hand gesture captured during the World Cup broadcast of Germany vs Curacao on June 16, 2026. The incident occurred before Germany's 7-1 victory when the global feed cut to the VAR hub in Dallas, briefly showing Evans with his right hand near his leg in a shape resembling an upside-down OK sign. FIFA investigated the matter and determined Evans had no case to answer, with the official also releasing a statement addressing the controversy.