A UEFA delegation is set to visit Belfast on Wednesday to address concerns over the funding row that has cast doubt on the reconstruction of Casement Park. This venue is scheduled to host five games at Euro 2028, with Great Britain and Ireland having been awarded the rights to host the tournament. The fixtures are due to be spread across various locations in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
Despite the excitement surrounding Euro 2028, there has been a lack of progress in the reconstruction of Casement Park. This Gaelic football venue has been closed since 2013, raising doubts about its readiness to host games in four years. The delay in completing the stadium has prompted UEFA to conduct a technical visit to Belfast to assess the situation and determine if the venue will be ready in time for the tournament.
Alternative Venue Options
If Casement Park is not completed on schedule, UEFA will be forced to relocate the five fixtures to other host countries. Windsor Park, the traditional venue for Northern Ireland fixtures, will not be utilized for Euro 2028 due to its limited capacity and the inability to expand further. This decision has sparked opposition among Northern Ireland supporters, particularly regarding the location of Casement Park in west Belfast, a Nationalist area.
Despite the project receiving support from various political parties in the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, the costs of rebuilding Casement Park have skyrocketed to an estimated £200 million. The delay in receiving a funding decision from the British government has stalled the construction program, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the project.
UEFA’s visit to Belfast will involve meetings with key figures, including First Minister Michelle O’Neill, as well as a site visit to Casement Park. The objective is to gain a clearer understanding of the situation and assess the feasibility of completing the stadium in time for Euro 2028. The stakes are high, as failure to meet the deadline could result in significant repercussions for the tournament’s schedule and logistics.
The funding row and delays in the reconstruction of Casement Park have raised serious concerns about Northern Ireland’s readiness to host Euro 2028. The upcoming visit by UEFA officials signifies the urgency of the situation and the need for concrete solutions to ensure the success of the tournament.