Victoria overturns ban on World Cup watch parties at Melbourne’s Federation Square
Victoria has reinstated plans for public World Cup watch parties at Melbourne’s Federation Square, with Premier Jacinta Allan on Thursday overturning a ban imposed by the site’s managers after a backlash from fans and football officials.
The Melbourne Arts Precinct, which oversees the city’s central gathering place, had said it would stop hosting big‑screen events for the 2026 football World Cup over safety concerns, citing the risk of unruly behaviour and past incidents involving flares. Football Australia condemned the move, arguing it would deprive supporters of the chance to follow the national team together.
Allan intervened to reverse the decision. “I disagree with the decision — and I am overturning it,” she said in a statement, adding that while there is “always a risk of bad behaviour from a few dickheads at every public gathering,” police and security would be on site and there would be zero tolerance for misconduct.
“The World Cup should bring us together, not keep us apart.” Katrina Sedgwick, director of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, said she welcomed the state’s intervention to help provide a safe venue at Federation Square. “We look forward to seeing the Socceroos back on the world stage, and on the Big Screen next month,” she said.
The Socceroos begin their World Cup campaign against Turkey in Vancouver on June 13, followed by a match against co‑hosts the United States in Seattle six days later and Paraguay in California on June 25. With the ban lifted, Federation Square is expected to host communal screenings under a strengthened security presence.