FIFA has announced it will investigate a referee who allegedly made a gesture during the FIFA World Cup that observers have interpreted as a white supremacist symbol.

According to GoogleNewsEN, footage emerged appearing to show the referee in question making a hand gesture associated in certain contexts with white supremacist movements. The incident attracted widespread international attention, prompting the global football governing body to initiate a formal inquiry.

FIFA confirmed that the matter has been referred to the appropriate internal bodies for review. In an official statement, the organisation indicated that it takes the allegations seriously and that the investigation will seek to determine the precise nature and intent of the gesture.

The referee concerned has not, based on available source material, issued any public statement in response to the allegations. The party could not be reached for comment.

The incident occurs at a time when international sporting organisations face increasing scrutiny regarding their handling of discriminatory conduct and extremist expressions within sport. FIFA maintains a strict anti-discrimination policy and has previously imposed disciplinary measures on players, coaches, and officials in connection with comparable incidents.