Overview
- The organiser Neovaude announced on Tuesday that it will end the Hafengarten fan-fest early and will not show the remaining World Cup matches on the city‑funded LED screen.
- Neovaude said its decision followed repeated disturbances and vandalism during past match days, including damage to fences, furniture and technical equipment after Morocco’s win over Canada.
- The organiser concluded that preventing further incidents would require a large increase in security staff and that those extra costs could not be borne by a private operator.
- The City of Dortmund paid for the LED screen and supported the event but said it was not involved in Neovaude’s decision and thanked visitors for attending.
- The cancellation removes a free communal viewing option in Dortmund’s Hafengarten, which served as the city’s main World Cup gathering spot this summer and could raise questions about who must pay for security at future public screenings.