The prospects of Northern Ireland hosting matches at the Euro 2028 football tournament appear dim after the UK government announced it will not provide funds for the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast.
The estimated cost to rebuild the stadium has “risen dramatically” to over £400 million. In a joint letter from NI Secretary Hilary Benn and Sports Minister Lisa Nandy to Stormont Minister Gordon Lyons, the government indicated that there is a “significant risk” the stadium would not be ready in time for the tournament.
The Ulster GAA responded, calling the announcement “bitterly disappointing” and promised a more detailed statement in the coming days. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Irish FA said they would assess the implications of this news with their bid partners and UEFA.
In their letter, Benn and Nandy noted, “The estimated build costs have increased from £180 million when the EURO 2028 bid was awarded in October 2023 to potentially over £400 million. Therefore, we have regrettably concluded that it is not appropriate for the UK government to provide funding to attempt to build Casement Park in time to host matches at EURO 2028.”
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons stated that his department remains “committed to the 2011 agreement with the GAA for a GAA stadium” and plans to work with the UK government and other stakeholders to ensure a lasting legacy for football in Northern Ireland. To meet the 2028 tournament timeline, Casement Park must be rebuilt by the summer of 2027.
While Northern Ireland may still serve as a training base or host warm-up matches at the Windsor Park stadium, the possibility of hosting tournament fixtures appears to be fading. Plans for rebuilding Casement Park have been in place since 2011, with the initial estimated cost set at £77.5 million, financed by a £62.5 million contribution from the Stormont executive and £15 million from the GAA.
Over the years, costs have surged as plans have expanded to accommodate both football and GAA matches, complying with UEFA’s higher standards for stadium specifications. Although hopes of being part of Euro 2028 may be dashed, rebuilding for GAA use remains a possibility. The GAA will be looking for government support, despite the UK government’s refusal to fund a Euro 2028-compliant stadium, while the Irish government has pledged over £40 million toward the cause.
Benn and Nandy’s letter highlighted the government’s continued commitment to ensuring Northern Ireland could host the Euros if feasible, but they acknowledged that challenges arose due to “almost no progress” since the Euro bid award.
Political Reactions and Future Prospects
Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O’Neill expressed profound disappointment at the announcement, calling it a “missed opportunity for sport and our economy.” She assured that “Casement Park will be built,” emphasizing the commitment from both the British and Irish governments. O’Neill pledged to collaborate with the GAA and all levels of government to move the project forward and secure state-of-the-art facilities.
The failure to fund the stadium’s redevelopment raises questions regarding the future sporting landscape in Northern Ireland, particularly as the dream of hosting Euro 2028 matches appears to slip away.
Credit: BBC
