The Victorian government has reversed a controversial ban on public screenings of this summer’s FIFA World Cup matches at Federation Square, reopening the iconic Melbourne venue to football fans across Australia.
The restriction had earlier been imposed by the Melbourne Arts Precinct, the body responsible for managing Federation Square, over concerns about safety risks and property damage linked to previous tournaments.
However, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan stepped in following mounting pressure from Football Australia and supporter groups demanding the decision be reconsidered.
“I disagree with that decision, and I am overturning it,” Allan said in a statement on Thursday. She assured the public that increased police and security measures would be deployed during screenings, warning there would be “zero tolerance” for disorderly conduct.
Federation Square has served as a major gathering point for football supporters during FIFA World Cups since 2006. The venue gained worldwide attention during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after viral scenes showed Australian fans celebrating the Socceroos’ journey to the Round of 16.
Despite its popularity, authorities cited several incidents from previous tournaments as justification for the original ban. During the 2022 World Cup, reports emerged of injuries caused by flares and thrown objects, while crowd-control barriers were breached during the 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-final clash between Australia and England.
The disturbances ultimately forced officials to cancel the screening of the Matildas’ third-place playoff match at the square.
Melbourne Arts Precinct chief executive Katrina Sedgwick had defended the ban earlier, describing the behaviour of a minority of supporters as “unacceptable and damaging.”
Football Australia welcomed the government’s intervention, calling the initial decision disappointing and inconsistent with Melbourne’s status as one of Australia’s leading sporting and multicultural cities.
The Football Supporters Association Australia also praised the reversal, saying the electric atmosphere created by fans at Federation Square during the 2022 World Cup had become a defining moment for Australian football culture on the global stage.
Australia is set to face Turkey, Paraguay and co-hosts the United States in the tournament’s group stage. The FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, with the final scheduled for July 19.
