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Before matches during the World Cup, Fifa has been briefly focusing on the officials as part of its world feed global coverage.First, the referee, and the rest of his team, have walked to the touchline and a graphic has been displayed with their names and roles.Then the picture has cut to a shot of the VAR team at the referee hub in Dallas.Rather than showing them at work and looking at their monitors, they have also briefly posed for the camera and their names have appeared on screen.When the camera cut to the VAR room on Sunday, Evans was standing with his arm by his side - and then could be seen making the fingers of his right hand into a upside down 'OK' sign.Such a gesture has two very distinct meanings – one harmless and the other connected to an expression of white supremacy.The incident was immediately subject to a huge amount of speculation on social media.BBC Sport has approached Fifa multiple times for comment or some clarity but as yet there has been no official response.However, BBC Sport has been told by sources that Fifa is looking for answers from the Australian VAR official.Whatever the outcome, there was a noticeable change in approach for pre-match rituals after the Germany-Curacao game.When the VAR hub was shown in three subsequent matches, the officials were already facing the monitors. No longer did we see them looking at the camera, although their names were still displayed.The gesture made by Evans is very similar to the one used in the circle game, a prank which came to prominence in the US sitcom Malcolm in the Middle which became an internet meme.An upside-down OK signal is made with the hand below the waist.If another person looks at the hand they get a punch in the shoulder.But in 2017 the OK sign also began to be used by the far right to communicate to each other.The sign was added to a list of hate symbols by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in 2019.The ADL says the OK symbol has become a "popular trolling tactic" from "right-leaning individuals, who often post photos to social media of themselves posing while making the gesture".The anti-discrimination Fare network, which partners with Fifa and Uefa to tackle racism, said it was seeking clarification."Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down 'OK' hand symbol used as a 'white power' symbol in global far-right circles," Fare said.The 38-year-old Evans has been on the Fifa list of referees since 2017. He is an experienced VAR who was also appointed to officiate at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.In his homeland, Evans has been a referee in the Australian A League since 2012 and took charge of the Grand Final in 2019.None of the VAR teams posed for the camera for the three games after the gesture, looking at the monitors in front of them instead.Previous imageNext imageSlide 1 of 3, A picture showing the Netherlands v Japan VAR team, The Netherlands v Japan VAR teamEnd of image galleryRelated topicsFootballFIFA World Cup 2026More on this storyPlay BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor gameEverything you need to know about the World Cup

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The 27-year-old defender was the subject of a deal worth up to £51.8m on Sunday evening, with the transfer announced swiftly on Monday morning.Sources in Spain say the agreement progressed rapidly with Chelsea, and a similar scenario could now develop with Fernandez.Much depends on Madrid's willingness to spend a significant fee on the midfielder, who is valued by Chelsea at £120m.It remains unclear how much Chelsea are willing to negotiate, or whether Madrid would meet that valuation for the Argentina international, who is also at the Fifa World Cup.However, re-elected club president Florentino Perez has hinted at a potential signing worth 150m euros (£129.6m), having had a bid at that value rejected by Atletico Madrid for Fernandez's international team-mate Julian Alvarez. It suggests those funds could be put to use with Fernandez himself.Well-placed sources say Fernandez is keen to leave Chelsea and join Real Madrid. Manchester City and Paris St-Germain have also been linked, but both are understood to have distanced themselves from any interest.It appears to be Madrid or bust for Fernandez, although Chelsea - under new manager Xabi Alonso - would also be content to keep the midfielder, who contributed 15 goals and seven assists last season. He is under contract until 2032.Real Madrid announce £51.8m deal for Chelsea's CucurellaOnly last season, the Spain international agreed improved financial terms without extending his contract, a deal that was never formally announced by the club.After winning the European Championship with Spain, along with the Conference League and Club World Cup at Chelsea, Cucurella appeared to be an integral part of the side under former manager Enzo Maresca.However, his form dipped under Maresca's mid-season replacement, Liam Rosenior, and - amid a run of poor results - Cucurella criticised the managerial uncertainty and the running of the club more broadly.Unlike Fernandez, who made similar comments in March, Cucurella was not formally punished.Yet, despite saying in recent days that he had spoken to incoming boss Xabi Alonso and liked the idea of playing under him, he has opted to leave for Madrid.Cucurella was quoted by Marca last week as saying: "Yes, I'm attracted to Xabi Alonso's project. I've spoken with him and he inspired a lot of confidence in me. I've also spoken with Grimaldo and Borja, who have worked with him, and they spoke very highly of him. The project seems very interesting."For Chelsea, the deal makes financial sense. They finished 10th in the Premier League last season, will lose substantial revenue by missing out on European competition, do not currently have a long-term front-of-shirt sponsor, and remain under scrutiny from Uefa under a settlement agreement after breaching squad cost rules.Although the club insist they do not need to sell players and will remain compliant, the sale of Cucurella improves their financial position. While it represents a small loss on the £60m paid to sign him from Brighton in 2022, due to transfer fees being amortised over the length of his contract, it equates to a profit of around £17.5m in accounting terms.In addition, Chelsea will have fewer matches next season. With Cucurella turning 28 next month and having three years remaining on his contract, this may have represented the final opportunity to maximise a fee for a player keen to move.Cucurella was, however, one of Chelsea's most consistent performers over the last two seasons and his departure will reduce the average age of a squad already the youngest in the Premier League.There is also the emergence of Dutch defender Jorrel Hato, signed from Ajax last summer, who was one of the few positives in the final months of the season under Rosenior and then caretaker boss Calum McFarlane.It will be interesting, therefore, to see whether Chelsea re-enter the market for a left-back, having already been targeting centre-backs, central midfielders and a versatile attacker.Although Chelsea have not formally confirmed a deal, they are expected to sign Argentine Valentin Barco from partner club Strasbourg this summer. Primarily a midfielder, he played for his former clubs Brighton and Boca Junior at left-back.There is also broader uncertainty among the club's defenders, with Chelsea already struggling to provide minutes for all their options. Without European competition, some players could grow frustrated with a lack of opportunities, although it is understood that Josh Acheampong is not for sale.Madrid are set to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries and Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.It forms part of a rebuild under returning manager Jose Mourinho after a season in which they finished second to Barcelona in their domestic league and exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.Asked about Cucurella's move, former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot told BBC Radio 5 Live: "For Jose Mourinho, that's the type of player he wants. Jose wants a player he can count on."His mentality has to be right and he has to have the spirit and winning mentality. For Real to go after him is not a big surprise because Cucurella is the kind of player who fits Mourinho's criteria and how he wants to play."Away from that, Chelsea have probably looked at it and thought: 'We've got Hato.' He's younger, very talented and well developed, and he has proven himself -especially in the final games of the season - that he can step up in that position."When Real Madrid come knocking, you are always going to listen. He would have looked at both sides - one club is not in the Champions League and the other is - so that may have influenced his decision."Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Chelsea - what do you want to know?

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Manchester United's 2026-27 campaign will be documented by Amazon Prime as part of their fly-on-the-wall All or Nothing series. United are the fourth English top-flight side to sign a deal with Amazon, following Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester City.The club have brokered a record access fee for any comparable documentary.Filming will begin in pre-season, with the show offering viewers "unprecedented access" to the men's, women's, and academy players and staff in the Old Trafford dressing room, at their Carrington training ground, and beyond."Now is the right time to open our doors, so that for the first time our fans around the world can see behind the scenes of a club which means so much to so many people," said United's chief communications officer Toby Craig.Amazon launched the documentary series in 2016, following NFL side the Arizona Cardinals and have since expanded the franchise to football, ice hockey, and rugby union.Pep Guardiola's final two seasons in charge of Manchester City will be documented in a four-part Amazon series expected to launch in the UK and Ireland this summer.Pre-match, post-match and topical United contentListen on SoundsSubscribe and listen for everything you love about the Red DevilsLatest Manchester United news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Man Utd - what do you want to know?

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Portuguese will replace Massimiliano Allegri at San SiroUnited will not need to pay full £16.7m compensationRuben Amorim is poised to return to management after agreeing to become Milan’s head coach. The move will make Manchester United a significant saving on his compensation package, the club having dismissed him in January.Amorim will replace Massimiliano Allegri at Milan after accepting a two-year contract, with the option of a third, and will be tasked with turning things around after the club finished fifth in Serie A.Once Amorim is back in work, United will no longer be liable to pay the full £16.7m compensation package the 41-year-old and his coaching staff were due in the severance deal.Milan cleared out a number of senior members of staff after they failed to qualify for the Champions League. The sporting director Igli Tare, chief executive Giorgio Furlani and technical director Geoffrey Moncada departed alongside Allegri.Nottingham Forest’s head of recruitment, Pedro Ferreira, is being targeted to join his Portuguese compatriot Amorim at Milan as part of a major overhaul.United’s finances have been further boosted by the announcement that they will be the subject of an Amazon All or Nothing documentary next season. There were negotiations carried out while Amorim was in charge but it was decided it was not the right time to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City and Tottenham and grant access to filmmakers.The club will receive an access fee bigger than any paid for previous documentaries in the genre. Cameras will be a constant around the club from the start of pre-season, focusing on the men’s team under Michael Carrick, while also taking a look at the women’s and academy setups.“Now is the right time to open our doors, so that for the first time our fans around the world can see behind the scenes of a club which means so much to so many people,” Manchester United chief communications officer, Toby Craig, said.

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15 CommentsJohn Stones' selection in England's World Cup squad raised some eyebrows - and the man himself may have been surprised had he been told at his lowest ebb that his country would still be needing him.Stones says he had to "dig deep" to come through one of the most challenging periods of his career before securing his place in the 26-player group.The 32-year-old is in line to start in England's tournament opener against Croatia on Wednesday despite revealing last October he spent some time considering retirement after a string of injuries.Stones is highly regarded by manager Thomas Tuchel and could be a fixture in the World Cup side if he can stay fit, which has not been a given in recent years."It was a difficult period when I said that [about retiring] and I hope I don't get to that again," Stones told BBC Sport."We can all compare ourselves to all the people or different players, different eras and think about how their journey was or how it could have been different and I am a culprit of that - 'why are these things happening to me? It doesn't happen to other people'."And I really had to dig deep and I am proud of myself for being so mentally strong throughout and coming out the other end of those scenarios or situations."I feel like one of my greatest achievements is to keep coming back from those setbacks, no matter how big they are and being on top form and going back into games and playing at such a high level."Taking a leaf from Arsenal's playbook - Tuchel's set-piece planStones played just 439 minutes of Premier League football in the season just ended, featuring in only 18 games for City across all competitions.He missed two months with a thigh injury and had to sit out England's two friendly matches before Tuchel picked his squad because of a calf injury.But Stones, who announced in April he will leave City this summer, says he has been "fit, pretty much all season".Tuchel gave his backing to Stones, picking him ahead of Harry Maguire and Levi Colwill, by saying he remains a "big part" of his plans and has "a lot of credit in the bank".This will be Stones' sixth major tournament for England, having helped the side to reach the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the two previous World Cups."I love being here and I think that goes without saying," Stones said."But when I got the call off of the manager, I think he saw the kid inside of me, how I reacted it where I couldn't really control myself."It was like the first time, just pure joy coming out of me, and I think that is one of the qualities that he loves - how all of this group can be ourselves as players."Play BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor gameEverything you need to know about the World Cup

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22 CommentsFrance captain Kylian Mbappe has vowed to increase his defensive efforts as the two-time world champions prepare to get their World Cup campaign under way against Senegal on Tuesday.The 27-year-old Real Madrid striker has faced scrutiny over both his performances and leadership for club and country, with international team-mate Ousmane Dembele publicly backing him, saying that the criticism had gone "too far".Speaking to French newspaper La Parisien, Mbappe faced questions from team-mates and friends, and when teased about his defensive ability by younger brother Ethan, who plays for Ligue One side Lille, he acknowledged that he has work to do."I need to take the extra step [with my defensive work] because it's something important for the team and I have to do it," he said."It will start this time because we want to win, and to win, I'm ready to do whatever because I want to win at all costs."Critics of Mbappe have gone 'too far', says DembeleHe was La Liga's top scorer but defensively he made little impact, as shown by data from Opta.He ranked 1,350th out of 1,490 players in Europe's big five leagues (England, Spain, France, Italy and Germany) with a minimum of 19 league appearances, for combined interceptions, blocks, tackles made and possession won.And he only managed 0.14 tackles per 90 minutes - the fifth lowest in the rankings.Mbappe has shone on the big stage, scoring 12 times in his 14 World Cup matches so far, including a hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina.Another goal will see him move level with Olivier Giroud as France's all-time top scorer in his first World Cup as captain after taking over from Hugo Loris in 2023.After Senegal, France will face Iraq and Norway in their other pool games.Play BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor gameEverything you need to know about the World Cup

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31 CommentsAfter 30 minutes of their World Cup opener against five-time champions Brazil, Morocco looked a class apart.The Afcon finalists - and disputed winners - moved the ball about with confidence, dominated possession and deservedly led after Ismael Saibari raced onto a defence-splitting pass from Brahim Diaz and lofted a delightful finish over Alisson Becker.Bedraggled Brazil were indebted to a piece of magic from Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr hauling them level before half-time.Scotland supporters watching on would have understandably been concerned.This was before Steve Clarke's side had beat Haiti 1-0, but even so, Scotland will likely need to draw against either Morocco - the sides meet in Boston on Friday night - or Brazil to ensure they get out of Group C. At the very least, they need to avoid heavy defeats."Morocco started the game very well," former Chelsea and Uruguay midfielder Gus Poyet said on the BBC during half-time of the game in New Jersey. "Technically, they look better than Brazil and their gameplan is working better."The night the Tartan Army took over iconic Fenway Park"What I liked overall was the unity," former Morocco midfielder Hassan Kachloul told the BBC."They worked together and for one another, which Brazil didn't do. They weren't afraid to make the effort, even if some looked tired after an hour."That's the spirit you want - players giving everything on the pitch and giving their best."Four years ago, Morocco were the World Cup's surprise package as they beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the semi-finals, where they lost 2-0 to France.Since then, their squad has evolved and kicked on to further success, but Kachloul believes there is more to come.At previous tournaments, Morocco were pragmatic and effective - a team built on defensive structure and stability above all elseUnder new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi - appointed just before this World Cup after success with the country's youth teams - Morocco hope to play a more fluid, front-foot style, led by a new generation of talent.Scotland will have to watch out for 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who shone against Brazil and has been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool.Winger Saibari, the scorer against Brazil, looks set to join Bayern Munich, external from PSV Eindhoven."What has changed is the introduction of a new manager with fresh ideas," Kachloul said."We also reached the end of a cycle with players like [Hakim] Ziyech, [Sofiane] Boufal, [Youssef] En-Nesyri and Romain Saiss, who are all over 30 and were at the last World Cup and Afcon."We needed some new ideas. Morocco winning the Under-20 World Cup with Mohamed Ouahbi was important and he has brought in five or six players under 22."They finished [the Brazil] game with six players under 23 on the pitch. So, it's the Morocco of today, but also the Morocco of tomorrow."After a draw in their toughest match on paper, Morocco will be targeting two wins against Scotland and Haiti as they try to top the group.Kachloul expects the Atlas Lions to dominate possession and for Scotland to play on the counter-attack, but thinks it will be a low-scoring affair."Scotland will bring a different challenge," he said."I expect Morocco to have more possession, but Steve Clarke won't be disturbed by that. They can defend in a mid-block and attack on the break."It will be a tight match. Scoring the first goal could be decisive and I don't expect many goals."After comfortable wins over Burundi and Madagascar, Morocco drew 1-1 with Norway in their final World Cup warm-up game.It came at a cost for the Moroccans as Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli was ruled out of the tournament through injury, but they stood up well to Norway's pace, power and size."Morocco recently faced a very physical Norwegian team and matched that physicality," Kachloul said.Despite the heat and humidity in Massachusetts, Kachloul expects Morocco to play a full-strength team for such a crucial game against the Scots."It's very important for both teams," he said. "If you win your first two games, you can secure qualification early and possibly rotate in the last game."This second match is crucial. It's a long competition and you want fresh legs when you reach the knockouts."Everything you need to know about the World Cup

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ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleGeorge Carden,in Gatwick AirportandJoshua Askew,South EastEngland fans heading to the World Cup have said they cannot wait to watch the football.Waiting for a flight at Gatwick Airport to the US, Andrew and Kelly and their 10-year-old son Christian told the BBC they thought the Three Lions would do "really well"."I hope they bring it home," said Christian.The family, from Stockport, will spend a week in Las Vegas and then watch the England-Ghana game in Boston on 23 June."It's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, especially as I am bringing my son with me," said Andrew."It does not matter how much the cost is as long as we enjoy it."Emeline, from Corby, said she was "over the moon" to be heading to the World Cup with her family. Matches are being played in the US, Mexico and Canada."It's been on my bucket list for the last 30 years to watch an England game," she said."I am very happy we get to enjoy this as a family," added her husband Norbert.Also speaking to BBC Radio Sussex at Gatwick Airport, the trio said they would be watching England's match against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday."I think England have a really strong squad this year," said Emeline. "But I have been saying that for years.""It has been 60 years of hurting," she added.However, Emeline's daughter Savannah said she was most excited about the food."America has so many things I have wanted to try since I was little," she said."I have been dying to go to Target since I was eight."George Dolce, a US citizen who studies in the UK, said he had just returned from watching a match in his home country."It was amazing," he told BBC Radio Sussex. "The crowd was electric."It was like nothing I have ever seen."Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

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Senior football correspondent in Kansas CityPublished24 minutes ago36 CommentsArsenal are set-piece masters, and no club supplied more players for England's World Cup squad than the Gunners. So it is understandable that Thomas Tuchel will look to play to the Premier League champions' strengths.Here in the United States, Mikel Arteta's dedication to perfecting Arsenal's routines is an approach England head coach Tuchel is looking to replicate.In a tournament environment, when the margins can be so small, Tuchel is keen to take a leaf out of the Arsenal playbook that he admires, and has impressed on his players the importance of exploiting dead-ball situations.Arsenal landed their first Premier League title in 22 years in May and were within a penalty shootout of winning their first Champions League.With that level of success in mind, it is entirely understandable that set-pieces have emerged as a key focus in training sessions since England's arrival in the USA.There are certainly experts in the field among Tuchel's likely starters.Declan Rice is one of the most adept ball strikers in European football – his corners have proved a major threat for Arsenal, certainly in the previous two seasons.You can expect Rice, who is guaranteed to start at the World Cup, to be one of England's designated specialists.Chelsea's Reece James, who is expected to start the tournament as England's first-choice right-back, is another likely to be high on the list of Tuchel's takers.The England boss knows all about James' abilities, having coached the defender during his time in charge of Chelsea.Bukayo Saka's dead-ball prowess is also viewed as a major asset by Tuchel, even if there is concern inside the England camp about having to manage the Arsenal attacker through the start of the tournament with his ongoing tendonitis complaint.The physical make-up of England's squad adds to the set-piece threat.From the 10 outfield players that started against Costa Rica on Wednesday, just two - James and Elliot Anderson - are under 6ft tall.Could England's set-pieces win them the World Cup?It's clear that the England boss, in his selection and in what we've seen in the games leading up to the World Cup, is looking to borrow the success of the Premier League when it comes to prioritising set-plays.In the Premier League, certain tactics at set-plays led to a considerable upturn in goals scored. Inswinging crosses from corners, crowding the keeper and the use of blocking to prevent defenders getting to zones that teams would target from corners were all seen and often.During the recent games against Costa Rica and New Zealand, England looked to use blockers to prevent opponents from getting to the players they were targeting.But because of a change in the rules, the video assistant referee (VAR) can now be used to disallow goals in which blocking fouls were committed before the ball was in play. For teams to take advantage of blocking actions, they will have to be more subtle.One way England have looked to do this is by having players move towards the goal, duelling with their markers in a more natural manner - before playing an outswinging corner into the space in front of the cluster of players.This resulted in both John Stones and Dan Burn getting unmarked headers towards goal on two different occasions against New Zealand.Another way blockers have been used is with England positioning themselves behind their markers before playing a cross to the back post. As the ball sails over the opponents' heads, they are unable to run back to contest England's free player at the back post.Teams, including England will have to get increasingly creative. Tuchel's men also looked to borrow a set-piece routine that Manchester United used successfully against Spurs this season. By passing it flat towards the near post before laying it off to the edge of the area, England were able to get a free shot in space.England are clearly prioritising this part of the game at this World Cup and they've brought with them the players who can achieve success.England's first World Cup training session: What did we learn?Criticism of Bellingham is hard to read - HendersonPlay BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor game