The Irish Football Association has confirmed that Northern Ireland is part of the pioneering UK and Ireland partnership bid to host UEFA EURO 2028.
Casement Park Stadium in Belfast has been included in the final list of ten stadia submitted as part of the bid.
It is one of only two stadia included that have yet to be built but the belief is obviously that its inclusion will provide the necessary impetus to get the latest iteration of the design, including 34,758 seats, over the line.
The national Stadium at Windsor Park is not big enough to meet the minimum requirement of seating for 30,000 and so the inclusion of Northern Ireland as one of the five bid partners did ultimately hinge on finding a solution that Casement Park has long been considered to fill.
The venue has lain idle since 2013 but architects populous have continued to work on the basis that construction would happen and the GAA has confirmed its pledge to provide £15 million in Funding. It will perhaps be a help that the incoming GAA President Jarlath Burns is an ulster man and he will lead the Association through the timeframe that construction will need to be completed.
The final bid was submitted to UEFA yesterday and features host cities and stadia from all five associations, including the Irish Football Association, the Football Association of Ireland, the Scottish Football Association, the Welsh Football Association and the Football Association.
The opposition lies in the shape of Turkey who are bidding once again having lost out to Germany in staging the 2024 Finals.
It will be a quick decision-making process with a final call from UEFA expected before October of this year.
“This is a unique opportunity for Northern Ireland to be part of a world-class partnership bid to host the greatest ever UEFA European Football Championships and deliver a legacy of Football for All, Football for Good and Football for the Future,” said Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson.
“Northern Ireland has hosted international sporting events on a global stage and this exciting collaboration between the Irish Football Association, government partners, Belfast City Council and GAA will welcome the world for a UEFA EURO 2028 festival of football that will unite, inspire and benefit generations to come.”
“As the UK and Ireland bid to host UEFA EURO 2028, this presents a fantastic opportunity for Northern Ireland to host world-class sport,” said Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris.”
“Should the bid be successful, the hosting of tournament matches at Casement Park in Belfast has the potential to deliver significant economic and social benefits right across Northern Ireland and create a legacy of participation and sustainability for current and future generations.”
“The UEFA EURO 2028 bid provides a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the strong partnerships and expertise that make Belfast and Northern Ireland a world-class place to host major international events,” added Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black.
“UEFA EURO 2028 would not only inspire future generations of football players, fans and volunteers but showcase the rich and diverse culture and tourism Belfast has to offer on a global stage.”
Ulster GAA CEO Brian McAvoy also welcomed the announcement, saying: “The GAA and Irish Football Association have developed innovative partnerships to harness the power of sport to unite and empower people of all ages and backgrounds.”
“Hosting world-class UEFA EURO 2028 football matches at the new Casement Park stadium would build on this collaboration and allow Belfast to deliver an inclusive and unforgettable celebration of football for all.”
