In brief
- World Cup screenings in Melbourne's Federation Square will not go ahead.
- Fans and players alike have slammed the decision as "absurd".
A decision not to screen Socceroos matches at Federation Square has sparked widespread backlash, with the side's ex-captain accusing organisers of missing a key opportunity to unite fans.
Melbourne's top civic space has long been a focal point for major sporting events, drawing thousands for live screenings during the FIFA World Cup.
But organisers have opted against hosting broadcasts in 2026, citing previous inappropriate fan behaviour.
"After careful consideration, we've made the decision not to show the World Cup on Fed Square's Big Screen this year," Melbourne Arts Precinct director and chief executive Katrina Sedgwick said in a statement on Wednesday.
"This is due to the behaviour of a small number of people at previous screenings which was simply unacceptable and damaging to Fed Square."
The move has frustrated fans, players and organisers of the sport alike, with former Socceroos captain Craig Foster labelling the move "absurd".
"It's an important time for Aussies to feel together, watch the world's largest sporting event, share in the national spirit," he wrote on X.
"All stakeholders should be working to overturn this absurd decision."
Matildas captain Sam Kerr also took to social media on Wednesday, sharing a Instagram post announcing the decision along with the caption: "Booooooooooo".
Football Australia joined the calls, saying it had expressed its disappointment with the state government and Melbourne Arts Precinct.
"Federation Square has created some of the most memorable moments in Australian sporting history," chief executive Martin Kugeler said.
"This decision is disappointing, and we are asking our fans to join us in calling on the Melbourne Arts Precinct and the Victorian government to correct their decision in the best interests of football fans, local businesses and all Victorians."
Federation Square has hosted thousands of fans to watch the Aussie side's fixtures since the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Video of feverish celebrations at the venue were shared widely when Australia advanced to the round of 16 during the 2022 Qatar tournament.
Several incidents marred the screening, however, including revellers setting off projectiles.
Sedgewick said the layout of the square means it was difficult to control fan behaviour, citing the lighting of more than 100 flares at a single event.
"The issue is really with a very small group of fans who unfortunately behave in a way that is just antisocial and frankly dangerous," she told ABC Radio.
The Socceroos will make their seventh appearance at the men's World Cup finals and have drawn Turkey, the United States and Paraguay in the group stage of the tournament to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the US from 11 June to 19 July.
The state government has been contacted for comment.
You can watch all 104 games of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
