The report says the council’s priority is keeping public services running normally throughout the competition. That means the usual workplace expectations remain in place, even when major fixtures create late nights, strong emotions and pressure to follow every match.
The guidance reportedly asks staff to:
Those points are basic, but football tournaments can test routines that appear straightforward in ordinary weeks.
The World Cup regularly changes daily habits. Supporters adjust sleep schedules, arrange time away from work and bring national-team rivalries into conversations. In a public-service setting, missed shifts or poor conduct can affect residents who have no interest in the match being played.
The report says employees were also reminded to plan ahead when games finish late. That is a practical response to the tournament’s ability to stretch beyond the traditional weekend viewing slot, particularly when fixtures are played across different time zones.
The more sensitive issue is conduct. Rivalry can fuel harmless debate, but comments linked to nationality, race or religion can quickly cross professional boundaries. A formal reminder places responsibility on staff before problems arise.
The guidance is likely to face its real test once the 2026 World Cup begins and the biggest matches dominate public attention. For supporters, the challenge will be balancing tournament excitement with workplace obligations. For the council, consistent enforcement will matter as much as the wording of the notice.