The Victorian government has reversed a decision by the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation to ban public screenings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Federation Square. The initial ban was imposed due to safety concerns regarding fan behavior at previous events.
Background of the Ban
The Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, which manages Federation Square, initially decided that the venue would not host public screenings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision was based on incidents of attendee behavior at previous screenings, including the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Melbourne Arts Precinct director Katrina Sedgwick stated that a "small minority" of fans engaged in antisocial and dangerous behavior during past events. Specific incidents included the lighting of flares and fireworks. According to reports, over 120 flares were lit during a single match in 2023, and some were thrown, resulting in injuries.
The venue, which has multiple entry points and is located opposite Flinders Street Station, was noted as not being equipped to search attendees like a stadium. A separate incident involving a planned concert by the band Amyl and the Sniffers in December was cancelled after attendees broke through fences, contributing to the safety assessment.
"A small minority of fans engaged in antisocial and dangerous behavior." — Katrina Sedgwick, Melbourne Arts Precinct director
Decision Reversal
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan overturned the ban. The Premier stated that police and security will be present at the screenings and that there will be a "zero tolerance" policy for misconduct. The government also committed to providing support to enable Federation Square to host the matches.
Premier Allan indicated the government is exploring additional events and live sites for free public events in the city.
Reactions
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Football Australia: CEO Martin Kugeler called the initial decision "extremely disappointing," noting that live sites unite multicultural communities and create memorable experiences. Deputy chief executive Heather Garriock described the reversal as "sensible."
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Football Supporters Association of Australia: Chair Patrick Clancy initially criticized the ban, calling it an overreaction. After the reversal, he called it "a fantastic win for common sense."
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Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster: Welcomed the decision but stressed opposition to behavior that puts safety at risk.
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Socceroos: The team acknowledged the decision via social media with the statement, "Fed Square is BACK."
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Victoria's Shadow Sport Minister Brad Battin: Previously described the ban as "un-Australian."
"Fed Square is BACK." — Socceroos (via social media)
Upcoming World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin June 11, 2026, across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The Socceroos, who will participate in their seventh World Cup, have their first group stage match against Turkey on June 14 in Vancouver.
Federation Square has historically served as a traditional venue for public screenings of Socceroos matches, including the 2006 World Cup and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. No alternative venue for screenings in Melbourne was announced prior to the reversal.