Australia reverses Federation Square World Cup screening ban

The Victorian government has overturned a ban on public screenings of this summer’s FIFA World Cup matches at Federation Square, reopening the venue to football supporters ahead of the tournament.

The ban was earlier introduced by the Melbourne Arts Precinct, which manages the square, over safety concerns and damage recorded during previous tournaments.

As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, Victorian premier Jacinta Allan stepped in after pressure from Football Australia and supporter groups.

Allan said: “I disagree with that decision, and I am overturning it.”

She added that police and security personnel would be deployed, warning there would be “zero tolerance” for poor behaviour.

Federation Square has hosted large crowds for World Cup screenings since 2006 and gained worldwide attention during the 2022 tournament in Qatar when videos of Australian fans celebrating the Socceroos’ run to the round of 16 went viral.

Authorities, however, pointed to incidents during previous events.

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Several supporters were reportedly injured by flares and projectiles during the 2022 World Cup, while barricades were breached during the 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-final between Australia and England.

The disturbance later forced the cancellation of the Matildas’ third-place play-off screening at the venue.

Melbourne Arts Precinct chief executive Katrina Sedgwick had defended the original ban, saying the actions of a small group of supporters had been “unacceptable and damaging”.

Football Australia welcomed the reversal, describing the earlier decision as disappointing and against Melbourne’s reputation as one of Australia’s major sporting and multicultural cities.

Football Supporters Association Australia also praised the move, saying the atmosphere at Federation Square during the 2022 World Cup projected Australian football culture to a global audience.

Australia will face Turkey, Paraguay and co-hosts the United States during the group stage of the tournament, which begins on June 11 and ends with the final on July 19.

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