Sabadel and Pamplona clash over giant screens for Spain World Cup matches

In Sabadel, the local independentist coalition Acció per Sabadell issued a statement condemning the plan to install a large public screen to broadcast the Spanish national team’s World Cup semi‑final against France and a possible final. The group called the initiative “Spanish‑ising, populist and electoralist,” criticized Mayor Marta Farrés’ government for supporting the project, and warned that the installation would impose a visible cost on the municipality while undermining Catalan representation.

In Pamplona, mayor Joseba Asiron said a giant screen will only be placed if Spain reaches the final, citing an advisory report from the Civil Protection Board that currently advises against installation for the semi‑final. He stressed the city will act step‑by‑step and warned of possible liability, adding, “we will put a screen on the day of the final if Spain reaches it.” The mayor also denounced offensive banners displayed in the city’s Plaza de Toros and reiterated his “total rejection” of recent sexual‑aggression incidents in Pamplona.