The Funding Row Threatening Euro 2028: UEFA Delegation Visits Belfast

A source has revealed to ESPN that a UEFA delegation is set to visit Belfast, raising concerns over the funding row that has cast doubt on the reconstruction of Casement Park. This venue was supposed to host five games during Euro 2028, which Great Britain and Ireland have been awarded the rights to host. The matches are scheduled to be played in various locations, including England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. However, the lack of progress in the redevelopment of Casement Park, a Gaelic football venue closed since 2013, has prompted UEFA to undertake a technical visit to the Northern Irish capital. The purpose of this visit is to assess the likelihood of the stadium being ready in time for the tournament in four years.

If Casement Park is not completed on schedule, UEFA will have no choice but to relocate the five fixtures to other host countries. This decision stems from the absence of a viable alternative in Northern Ireland. Despite Windsor Park being the traditional venue for Northern Ireland matches, it cannot accommodate Euro 2028 games due to its limited capacity and inability to expand further. The choice of Casement Park as a host site has sparked controversy among Northern Ireland supporters because of its location in the Nationalist area of west Belfast, contrasting with Windsor Park’s Unionist setting.

Although the project has garnered support from all major political parties in the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Republic, escalating costs have become a major obstacle. The initial budget of approximately £200 million ($253 million) has proven insufficient, and a decision on funding from the British government is pending. This delay has effectively halted the construction program, leaving the future of Casement Park in uncertainty.

In an effort to grasp the gravity of the situation, UEFA officials will meet with key figures in Belfast, including First Minister Michelle O’Neill. Additionally, they will conduct an on-site visit to Casement Park to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing the project. This visit is crucial in determining the feasibility of the stadium’s completion within the stipulated timeline for Euro 2028. The outcome of these discussions and assessments will undoubtedly shape the future of the tournament and the reputation of Northern Ireland as a host nation.