Wembley ‘to host extra Euro 2028 match’ after Northern Ireland’s hopes of being co-hosts were ended following UK Government’s refusal to fund Casement Park redevelopment
- Wembley Stadium is already ready to host the semi-finals and final of Euro 2028
- The London venue will host an extra match after Northern Ireland withdrew
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Wembley Stadium is reportedly set to host an extra match at Euro 2028 after Northern Ireland’s hopes of co-hosting the event were dashed.
The UK government will not fund the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast because there is ‘a significant risk that the park will not be built on time’.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the decision in a joint letter to Communities Secretary Gordon Lyons on Friday evening.
The four matches of Euro 2028 scheduled to be held in Belfast will now be split between other host cities.
A source at UEFA told the Times that the matches are expected to be moved to Wembley, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Hampden Park in Glasgow and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Wembley Stadium will reportedly host an extra match at Euro 2028 after Northern Ireland’s hopes of co-hosting have been dashed
The British government has announced that it will not fund the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast
Wembley Stadium, home of the England national team, will host both semi-finals and the main final.
The same outlet claims that UEFA knows it will make more financial gain from ticket and hospitality sales in London, compared to moving to Liverpool or Manchester.
The joint letter states that the risk of the Casement Park refurbishment not being completed on time is partly due to a lack of progress on construction between now and when the Euro 2028 bid was jointly awarded to the UK and Ireland.
Ministers said the construction costs of Casement Park have risen “dramatically” since 2023 – from £180m to £400m.
“The estimated construction costs have risen dramatically, from £180 million when the bid for Euro 2028 was awarded in October 2023 to potentially over £400 million, and there is a significant risk that the stadium will not be built in time for the tournament,” the joint letter reads.
‘We have therefore regrettably decided that it is not appropriate for the British Government to release funding to build Casement Park in time for the 2028 European Championship matches.
‘This was a very difficult decision, given our belief in the partnership for Euro 2028, but it is the only way forward given the circumstances.’
Ministers said Casement Park construction costs have risen ‘drastically’ since 2023
England and other host nations must qualify to qualify for Euro 2028. Northern Ireland will now struggle to qualify for the tournament if it is no longer considered a co-host.
UEFA allows a maximum of two automatic places, which are reserved for the host nation that does not qualify.
The top two countries will be awarded the two spots if three host countries fail to qualify.