An organisation monitoring incidents of racism during the FIFA World Cup has formally requested that FIFA remove a match official from his position following a hand gesture made during a television broadcast.

According to GoogleNewsEN, the racism monitor, which oversees discriminatory incidents occurring in the context of the World Cup, submitted a formal appeal to FIFA urging the removal of the official in question. The request was prompted by a hand gesture the official was observed making during a televised broadcast, which the monitoring body has characterised as objectionable.

The precise nature of the hand gesture and the identity of the match official involved have not been further specified in the available source material. The monitor directed its appeal to FIFA, the international governing body of football, which holds authority over the appointment and conduct of match officials throughout the tournament.

FIFA has not issued an official response to the monitor’s request at the time of reporting. The match official could not be reached for comment.

The incident arises within a broader context of ongoing efforts to address discrimination and racism in international football. FIFA maintains policies under which officials and players may be held accountable for conduct deemed to be of a discriminatory nature.