Australians push back against ban on World Cup screenings at Federation Square
Al Jazeera English
A ban on World Cup screenings at Melbourne’s Federation Square, citing fan misconduct, has provoked strong criticism from players, officials and supporters. Venue management says a minority of fans caused unacceptable damage, but critics argue the vast majority are being unfairly penalised.
Players, fans and football officials in Australia have condemned the ban on screening World Cup matches at Federation Square in Melbourne after venue managers cited the poor behaviour of a small number of supporters at previous tournaments.
Venue management announced on Wednesday that Federation Square would not show any World Cup games on its big screen this year, the first time in at least two decades. Hundreds of thousands of fans have gathered in the Melbourne commercial hub to watch Australian national team matches since the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Videos of ecstatic celebrations went viral during the 2022 tournament in Qatar when Australia reached the round of 16. But several incidents marred the festive atmosphere, with fans injured by flares and thrown objects. In 2023, during the Women’s World Cup semi‑final between Australia and England, spectators jumped barriers, forcing organisers to scrap plans to screen the Matildas’ third‑place match at the square.
“After careful consideration, we have decided not to show the World Cup on the big screen at Fed Square this year,” Melbourne Arts Precinct Chief Executive Katrina Sedgwick said in a statement. “This is due to the behaviour of a small minority at previous screenings, which was unacceptable and damaging to Fed Square.”
The decision sparked a backlash from players, officials and Australian football fan groups, who argue that the vast majority of well‑behaved supporters are being punished for a tiny minority. Patrick Clancy, president of the Australian Football Supporters’ Association, told local media: “The images and videos from Fed Square during the 2022 World Cup were shared around the world – we wanted that to happen again.”
Football Australia expressed deep disappointment and called on the Melbourne Arts Precinct to reverse the ruling. Chief Executive Martin Kugeler stressed: “Melbourne is one of Australia’s sporting and multicultural capitals, and this decision runs counter to that tradition. Federation Square has created some of the most memorable moments in Australian sporting history, from the Socceroos’ historic matches at the 2006 World Cup to the 2023 Women’s World Cup. We urge fans to join us in calling on the Melbourne Arts Precinct and the Victorian government to correct this for the benefit of football fans, local businesses and all Victorians.”
Women’s national team captain Sam Kerr also criticised the move, writing on social media: “Boooooooo”. Australia will face Turkey, Paraguay and the United States in the 2026 World Cup, which runs from 11 June to 19 July.
