Every couple of years, one of either the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship takes the football world by storm.

In Oslo, bars, concert halls and outdoor arenas around the city offer live screenings of these tournaments on big screens for the public to enjoy a festival atmosphere. The venues bring together a wide mix of fans from all over the world, residing in or visiting the Norwegian capital, to convene and celebrate the beautiful game. For years neither tournament has even featured Norway's national team – but, despite this, the popularity for football in Oslo is as passionate as in any city.

For many fans, the gap-year between these tournaments, and the summer break of the major European club leagues, gives them a longing for more football and the excitement it brings.

But, there are other football tournaments that play a prominent part on the football calendar.

Summer 2019 will see both the FIFA Women's World Cup (France, 7 June - 7 July) and the Africa Cup of Nations (Egypt, 21 June - 19 July).

Comparatively to the aforementioned examples, these two tournaments are equally as important in respect to their representative gender or continent, while both tournaments enjoy global TV viewing figures pushing towards one billion. What's more, Norway is one of the teams in this year's Women's World Cup.

For decades Norway has been at the forefront of promoting and progressing women's football, and a country proudly inclusive to Africans. Therefore, in the same light, we hope that venue owners in Oslo will show a willingness to celebrate these international tournaments to a similar level as they would for other major tournaments.

With the right level of support, enthusiasm and inclusivity, we can all enjoy what football brings to billions of people around the world and further develop a culture of equality and acceptance, together in Oslo.

If you are a football fan of any persuasion and are especially eager to watch the FIFA Women's World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations in public spaces in Oslo this summer, please sign the petition.

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Bars, concert halls and outdoor spaces in Oslo suitable for screenings include, but not limited to: Prindsen Hage, Kontraskjæret, Vulkan, Pokalen, O'Reilly's, O'Leary's, Crow, Blå, Bohemen, La Boheme, and many more.

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Text: Tom Lenartowicz
Photo: Richard Ashton

@hjaoslo