Australia's Federation Square reverses decision to cancel World Cup broadcast

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The Victorian government has overturned a ban on public screenings of this summer’s FIFA World Cup matches at Federation Square, allowing football fans to once again gather at the iconic venue in central Melbourne in Australia.

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The ban had been introduced by the Melbourne Arts Precinct, which manages the square, citing safety concerns and damage caused during previous tournaments.

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As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, Victorian premier Jacinta Allan intervened after calls from Football Australia and supporter groups for the decision to be reversed.

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“I disagree with that decision, and I am overturning it,” Allan said in a statement, adding that police and security would be present and there would be “zero tolerance” for poor behaviour.

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Federation Square has hosted large crowds for World Cup screenings since 2006 and became internationally known during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, when scenes of Australian fans celebrating the Socceroos’ run to the last 16 went viral online.

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However, authorities said some incidents at past events had raised concerns.

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

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The disruption led to the cancellation of the Matildas’ third-place play-off screening at the square.

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Melbourne Arts Precinct chief executive Katrina Sedgwick had earlier defended the ban, saying the behaviour of a small number of fans had been “unacceptable and damaging”.

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Football Australia welcomed the government’s intervention, describing the original decision as disappointing and contrary to Melbourne’s reputation as one of Australia’s sporting and multicultural capitals.

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

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

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