FIFA Clears Referee Accused of ‘White Power’ Gesture Amid Racism Monitor Calls for Dismissal
FIFA has cleared English referee Shaun Evans of wrongdoing after he admitted making a hand gesture perceived as a “white power” sign during a 2026 World Cup match, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The decision follows a controversy that sparked global debate over racial insensitivity in football, with some organizations demanding his removal.
Evans, who was officiating a Group Stage match in June 2026, told FIFA’s disciplinary committee that the gesture was an “involuntary, subconscious twitch” and not a deliberate act of racism. The incident occurred during a VAR review, according to reports from BBC Sport, though the exact moment and context remain unclear. A racism monitoring group, the International Commission Against Racism in Football (ICAR), later called for his suspension, citing “serious implications for the integrity of the tournament.”
Conflicting Accounts and FIFA’s Investigation
The controversy began when a fan video, later verified by The Guardian, showed Evans raising his hand in a manner resembling a “white power” salute. The clip, which circulated rapidly on social media, prompted immediate backlash. However, Evans denied intent, stating in a press conference: “I’ve never supported white supremacy. That gesture was a reflex, not a statement.”
FIFA’s investigation, led by its Independent Governance Committee, concluded there was “insufficient evidence to prove deliberate racial intent,” according to a FIFA press release. The body emphasized its commitment to “zero tolerance for racism” but noted the lack of eyewitness accounts or conclusive video evidence.
Despite FIFA’s ruling, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that a FIFA partner organization, the Australian Football Federation, urged officials to reconsider the decision. “This gesture, regardless of intent, undermines the values of inclusivity we strive to uphold,” said a spokesperson, citing internal discussions with the federation.
Why the Controversy Matters
The incident has reignited debates about the prevalence of racism in football, a sport that has faced repeated scrutiny over the years. In 2021, the UEFA introduced stricter penalties for racist behavior, including fines and match suspensions. However, the Evans case highlights the challenges of distinguishing between unintentional actions and deliberate prejudice.
Experts like Dr. Sarah Thompson, a sports ethics researcher at the University of Manchester, noted: “The line between an involuntary gesture and a symbolic act is often blurred. What’s critical is the response—FIFA’s decision balances accountability with the need to avoid overreach.” The case also underscores the role of technology in modern football, as VAR’s increased presence has made every on-field action subject to instant scrutiny.
What’s Next for Evans and FIFA?
Evans, who has been a FIFA-registered referee since 2015, has not faced disciplinary action beyond a formal warning. His future assignments remain under review, with FIFA stating it will “monitor his performance and conduct closely.” Meanwhile, the ICAR has called for a broader review of how officials are trained to avoid “unconscious bias” during high-pressure situations.
The fallout has also sparked discussions about the cultural context of gestures in sports. In 2023, a similar incident involving a German player led to a 10-match ban for a “racist gesture,” according to The New York Times. This contrast highlights the subjective nature of such allegations and the difficulty of enforcing consistent standards.
FIFA’s handling of the case has been met with mixed reactions. While some praised its measured approach, others, including the Independent, argued that the organization “risks normalizing harmful behavior by prioritizing procedural fairness over cultural sensitivity.”