The upcoming UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, set to be hosted by Great Britain and Ireland, has hit a roadblock with the reconstruction of Casement Park in Belfast. A lack of progress in the rebuilding of this Gaelic football venue, closed since 2013, has raised concerns over its readiness to host five games during the tournament.
In response to the funding row and the uncertainty surrounding Casement Park’s completion, a UEFA delegation is scheduled to visit Belfast for a technical assessment. If the stadium is not finished in time, UEFA will have to relocate the five fixtures to other host countries, as there is no suitable alternative in Northern Ireland.
The decision to award games to Casement Park has been met with widespread opposition among Northern Ireland supporters, particularly due to its location in the Nationalist area of west Belfast. In contrast, Windsor Park, the traditional host venue for Northern Ireland fixtures, will not be hosting any games at Euro 2028 due to capacity limitations.
Despite the opposition, the project has received support from all political parties in the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Republic, citing cross-community benefits. However, escalating costs, estimated at £200 million, have put the construction program on hold pending a funding decision from the British government.
The UEFA delegation’s visit to Belfast on Wednesday will involve meetings with key figures, including First Minister Michelle O’Neill, to gain a better understanding of the situation. The future of Casement Park and its role as a host venue for Euro 2028 hang in the balance, pending a resolution to the funding row.
The funding dispute surrounding the reconstruction of Casement Park has put the hosting of Euro 2028 games in Northern Ireland at risk. With time running out and costs mounting, all eyes are on the upcoming UEFA delegation visit to Belfast and the decisions that will follow in the coming months.
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