Australian authorities on Thursday\u00a0reversed a ban on public watch parties in Melbourne’s Federation Square for the 2026 football World Cup after the decision sparked an outcry.<\/p>\n
The Melbourne Arts Precinct, which manages the square, had said it would stop hosting the big-screen events because of the risk posed by unruly fans, who have used flares in the past.<\/p>\n
Jacinta Allan, premier of the state of Victoria, intervened to reverse the ban, which had been condemned by the country’s football chiefs.<\/p>\n
“I disagree with the decision — and I am overturning it,” Allan said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“There’s always a risk of bad behaviour from a few dickheads at every public gathering, but police and security will be on site and there’ll be zero tolerance for it,” she said.<\/p>\n
“The World Cup should bring us together, not keep us apart.”<\/p>\n
Football Australia had condemned the ban, saying it would rob fans of the chance to follow their team together.<\/p>\n
The Socceroos begin their World Cup against Turkey in Vancouver on June 13, followed by games against co-hosts the United States in Seattle six days later and Paraguay in California on June 25.<\/p>\n
Melbourne Arts Precinct director Katrina Sedgwick said she “welcomed” the state’s decision to help provide a safe site for watching the World Cup in Federation Square.<\/p>\n
“We look forward to seeing the Socceroos back on the world stage, and on the Big Screen next month,” she said in a statement.<\/p>\n
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