Euro 2028 Organizers Prepare Backup as Concerns Rise Regarding Unfinished Venue
Euro 2028 organizers are facing a race against time as they prepare backup plans due to concerns that a crucial stadium may not be ready in time for the tournament. Casement Park, a former Gaelic football arena in Belfast, has been abandoned since 2013 and work on its redevelopment has yet to commence. The costs for the project have already skyrocketed from £73 million to over £110 million, causing further worries about its completion.
Originally opened in 1953, Casement Park was granted planning permission for a major development in 2021. As a result, it was chosen as one of the host stadiums for the highly anticipated Euro 2028, which will be jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland. However, there are growing concerns that Belfast and Northern Ireland may miss out on having a venue for the tournament.
To address these concerns, Euro 2028 organizers have been exploring alternative options in case Casement Park is not ready in time. The three matches originally scheduled to be held at the stadium would be divided among the nine other venues across the UK and Ireland. However, efforts would be made to involve Northern Ireland by hosting pre-tournament friendlies, and there is even a possibility of holding the tournament draw in Belfast.
The redevelopment plans for Casement Park have faced opposition from some local fans and politicians who argue that the stadium should primarily be used for football rather than Gaelic football after the Euros. Former Labour sports minister Baroness Kate Hoey expressed concerns about the lack of legacy for football, stating, “The big worry is that there will be no legacy for football.” Gary McAllister, chairman of the Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the primary beneficiary of a football tournament should be football itself.
However, Patrick Nelson, the chief executive of the Irish FA, sees the redevelopment as an opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to the world. He believes that the legacy of the project can extend beyond football and have positive impacts on health, fitness, and community infrastructure.
While the outcome of the Casement Park redevelopment remains uncertain, Euro 2028 organizers are determined to ensure a successful tournament regardless of the venue. The anticipation for this joint effort between the UK and Ireland continues to grow, and football fans across both nations eagerly await the opportunity to witness top-level international matches on their home soil.