FIFA has cleared Australian referee Shaun Evans of any wrongdoing after investigating claims that he made a hand gesture associated with white supremacist groups 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 shown on television placing his thumb and index finger together to form a circle.
The gesture drew attention on social media, prompting FIFA to launch an investigation into the incident.
Following a 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 insisted the gesture was entirely unintentional and had no connection to any political, ideological or extremist message.
“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 Australian official explained that the movement was an “involuntary, subconscious twitch” and that he was unaware he had made the gesture at the time.
“I understand how the gesture has been interpreted and I regret this,” Evans added. “However, I want to be very clear and categorically say that I did not knowingly or deliberately make the hand symbol suggested.”
The ruling brings the matter to a close, allowing Evans to continue his World Cup duties without further disciplinary action.
