FIFA is aware of footage involving a match official at the World Cup after a hand gesture made before Germany's opening match against Curaçao attracted attention online.
The incident occurred shortly before kick-off during Germany's Group Stage clash, when broadcast cameras focused on officials as part of a pre-match introduction segment.
Referee Shaun Evans, who was serving as a support VAR official for the fixture, appeared to make an upside-down "OK" hand gesture while looking towards the camera.
The footage was shown live before Germany went on to secure a commanding 7-1 victory.
The gesture has generated discussion on social media due to the different interpretations that can be attached to it.
The "OK" sign is most commonly used around the world to indicate approval or agreement and remains a widely recognised everyday gesture.
However, organisations including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) have previously noted that, in some contexts, the symbol has also been used by white supremacist extremists and internet trolls, meaning interpretation can depend heavily on intent and surrounding circumstances.
The ADL has stressed that the overwhelming majority of uses of the gesture remain benign and that caution should be exercised before drawing conclusions about an individual's intentions.
FIFA is aware of footage involving a match official at the World Cup after a hand gesture made before Germany's opening match against Curaçao attracted attention online
|BBC
As a result, any assessment of the incident would likely focus on context and intent rather than the gesture alone.
At the time of writing, there is no public indication that the official intended the gesture to convey any political, ideological or discriminatory message.
The gesture is also associated in some countries with a long-running playground game in which participants attempt to entice others into looking at a hand sign positioned below the waist.
FIFA has not publicly commented on the footage beyond being aware of the matter.
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Every team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWSThe incident has nevertheless drawn comparisons online to a separate controversy during the Paris Olympics, where an accredited worker was removed from the Games after footage emerged appearing to show a similar hand gesture during competition.
That case involved different circumstances and was assessed individually by organisers.
Germany's emphatic victory ultimately ensured most attention remained focused on events on the pitch.
Julian Nagelsmann's side made an impressive start to their World Cup campaign, with Felix Nmecha opening the scoring early before further goals from Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav completed a dominant display.
Despite the heavy defeat, Curaçao enjoyed a landmark moment when Livano Comenencia scored the nation's first-ever World Cup goal.
The strike sparked huge celebrations among supporters and represented a historic achievement for the Caribbean side, which became one of the smallest nations ever to compete at the tournament.
Veteran coach Dick Advocaat, who at 78 became the oldest manager in World Cup history, insisted there was still plenty for his players to be proud of despite the result.
Germany ran out 7-1 winners in their opening World Cup match | GETTY"We expected to do more against Germany, but they were too strong," Advocaat said.
"Despite this outcome, the joy of the fans is fantastic. This is not a disgrace and we can still be proud."
Nagelsmann was also satisfied with Germany's performance as his side began their campaign with a convincing win.
"A winning start is always important," he said. "We're very pleased that we managed it."