Football Australia is urging the Victorian government to reverse a decision banning World Cup matches from being shown on large screens at Melbourne’s Federation Square. The request comes after the government decision means the venue will not host match screenings for the World Cup, despite Federation Square’s long-running role as a gathering point for supporters.
Multiple outlets report that Football Australia says it is extremely disappointed with the ban. They note that Federation Square has screened major international tournaments for fans since 2006, drawing crowds for football events and producing widely seen moments from past competitions. One example cited is Qatar 2022, when scenes of Socceroos supporters celebrating the team’s qualification to the last 16 became widely shared.
Football Australia’s position is that the ban should be lifted, and it is calling on the Victorian government to reconsider its approach to allowing match screenings at the venue. The reports focus on Football Australia’s appeal and the venue’s history with World Cup and other major tournament coverage, without detailing the Victorian government’s reasons for the ban.
