Barcelona City Council has announced it will install a giant screen in the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, a new policy that will proceed irrespective of the participating national teams.
Sports Councillor David Escudé confirmed this decision during a recent council session. He stated, "Regardless of which team or teams reach the final, a screen will be installed for fans to enjoy."
This announcement followed a request from the Popular Party (PP) for the municipal government to provide public spaces with large screens for Spanish national team matches. Escudé noted that the City Council has facilitated screen installations for significant sporting occasions for many years.
Addressing Public Order Concerns
Councillor Escudé also addressed concerns about public order, referencing "national shame" incidents. He cited Islamophobic chants at a Spain-Egypt friendly match in Cornellà. He affirmed that the City Council would "do everything possible" to eradicate any "signs of violence and hatred" that could disrupt or undermine sport.
The Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) had previously urged Mayor Jaume Collboni not to install screens for Spanish national team games. ERC cited potential security risks and "possible racist incidents" associated with large public gatherings. ERC believes such large gatherings in Barcelona carry a probable risk of security incidents. The incident at the RCDE Stadium, home to RCD Espanyol, prompted these calls for caution.
Future Plans for Barcelona Fans
The City Council plans to announce the specific location for the screen at a later date. This initiative aims to allow Barcelona residents and visitors to collectively experience the global football event, fostering community spirit.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
