Melbourne’s iconic Fed Square will now screen upcoming Socceroos FIFA World Cup matches following direct intervention from Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
This represents a reversal which comes after backlash erupted online when it was revealed the tournament matches would not be broadcast live at the city’s premier public gathering space.
Concerns surrounding staffing, security and operational logistics had reportedly contributed to the original decision, prompting outrage from football fans and commentators who questioned why Melbourne would miss out on hosting communal screenings during one of Australia’s biggest sporting moments.
On Thursday, Allan confirmed the Victorian Government had stepped in to ensure future Socceroos matches would be shown at Fed Square, allowing thousands of supporters to gather in the heart of the CBD throughout the tournament.
In a statement, the Premier said the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign had captured national attention and deserved to be experienced collectively. She described Fed Square as a central part of Melbourne’s sporting culture, and said there would be zero tolerance for bad behaviour.
Fed Square has long functioned as Melbourne’s unofficial outdoor stadium for landmark sporting moments, previously hosting large-scale screenings for AFL grand finals, Olympic events and past FIFA World Cup tournaments.
