FIFA has announced it will investigate an incident involving Australian referee Shaun Evans during Germany's 7-1 victory over Curacao at the World Cup in Mexico.

Evans, who was serving as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the match, was captured on camera making what has been described as a controversial gesture before kick-off. The incident occurred during the customary pre-match camera shots of match officials.

The nature of the gesture has been disputed, with some reports characterizing it as a racist gesture directed at a Korean influencer, while others have described it as a hand signal with white supremacy connotations. The specific details of what Evans did and the intended target remain unclear from available reports.

Following the circulation of footage showing the incident, Evans has reportedly apologized for his actions. The apology came after the gesture was widely shared on social media and drew criticism from viewers.

FIFA's disciplinary committee will now review the matter to determine what action, if any, should be taken against the official. The world football governing body has not yet indicated a timeline for completing its investigation or what potential sanctions Evans might face.

The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about inappropriate behavior by match officials at international tournaments and the scrutiny they face in the modern era of social media and instant replay.