FIFA is demanding an explanation for video assistant referee Shaun Evans’ hand gestures before Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao on Sunday.
Before matches begin during the World Cup, FIFA has briefly focused on referees as part of its World Feed global coverage.
First, the referee and the rest of the team walked to the touchline and a graphic was displayed showing their names and roles.
The picture then cut to a shot of the VAR team at the referee hub in Dallas.
Their names also appeared on the screen as they showed themselves working and briefly posed for the camera instead of looking at the monitor.
When the cameras cut to the VAR room on Sunday, Evans was seen standing with his arms at his side and making an upside-down ‘OK’ sign with the fingers of his right hand.
These gestures have two very distinct meanings. One is harmless and the other is associated with expressions of white supremacy.
The incident immediately became the subject of massive speculation on social media.
BBC Sport has approached FIFA several times for comment or clarification, but there has yet to be an official response.
However, BBC Sport has been told by sources that Fifa is seeking answers from Australian VAR officials.
Whatever the outcome, there has been a noticeable change in the approach to pre-match rituals since the Germany-Curaçao match.
When the VAR hub was shown in the next three games, the referees were already facing the monitor. Their names were still displayed, but you could no longer see them looking at the camera.
