Fifa has requested an urgent report from match officials after a video assistant referee was seen making a hand gesture during a top-flight fixture, raising concerns about impartiality. The incident occurred during the second half of Saturday’s match between rival clubs in the Bundesliga, when the VAR official, whose identity has not been disclosed, was captured on camera forming a shape with his fingers that some interpreted as a symbol linked to a known supporter group. The gesture prompted immediate complaints from the away team’s management, who alleged it indicated bias.
In a statement released late Sunday, Fifa said it had opened a formal inquiry and demanded a full explanation from both the referee and the VAR operator. “Fifa takes any suggestion of partiality or conduct that could undermine the integrity of the game with the utmost seriousness,” the statement read. “We have requested a detailed account of the incident and will review all available footage.
” The German Football Association has also launched its own investigation, with a spokesperson confirming that the VAR official has been temporarily stood down pending the outcome. The match in question ended in a 2-1 victory for the home side, a result that the visiting team’s coach described as “tainted” by the controversy. Football analysts note that while hand gestures among officials are rare, the use of VAR technology has increased scrutiny on their behaviour.
The case echoes a 2019 incident in which a referee was suspended for a similar gesture. With the World Cup less than a year away, Fifa is keen to avoid any perception of bias among match officials. The governing body has not set a deadline for the report but expects a response within 48 hours.
