The Victorian government intervened strongly to restore the World Cup screenings on the Federation Square screen.

Federation Square, Melbourne’s most iconic football viewing spot, will once again light up its giant screen.

With direct intervention from the Victorian government, the suspension order previously issued due to concerns about fan misconduct has been officially revoked. Previously, stadium management had announced the suspension of broadcasts of the 2026 World Cup from public squares due to concerns about pyrotechnic violations and collisions during past events.

This move sparked strong protests from fan groups and the football community. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed her opposition on Thursday and exercised her authority to overturn the decision.

Allen pointed out that the significance of the World Cup lies in connecting people, and the right of the majority to share in the event should not be deprived because of the irresponsible behavior of a few.

The state government has pledged to provide necessary security resources for Federal Plaza. Allen emphasized that police and security personnel will be on-site around the clock, with a zero-tolerance policy for any disturbance of public order. She stated, "While any gathering carries risks, we will ensure the environment here is safe, free, and vibrant."

From June 11 to July 19, the Australian national team will face Turkey, Paraguay, and the United States in the World Cup. With the return of big-screen broadcasts, Melbourne's city center is expected to once again witness the spectacular sight of tens of thousands of fans celebrating goals all night long.

Image source: Internet/BBC official website