Northern Ireland’s hopes of hosting matches at the 2028 European Football Championship have suffered another setback. The British government will not cover the costs of building the new Casement Park stadium in Belfast, which is planned for the European Championship, said British Northern Ireland Minister Hilary Benn and Sports Minister Lisa Nandy.
The costs have risen “dramatically” from £180 million in October 2023 to more than £400 million (€474 million) now. There is a “significant risk” that the stadium will not be completed in time for the tournament, it said. The original estimate for construction was around £77 million.
Five European Championship games planned in Belfast
Casement Park in the Northern Irish capital was built after the Second World War as a venue for Irish sports such as Gaelic football and hurling. The stadium fell into increasing disrepair and there have been plans for a new building for years.
In the successful bid by England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland for the 2028 European Championship, it was preferred over Windsor Park, the home ground of the Northern Ireland national team. According to current plans, five games are to be played in Belfast.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240913-930-232031/1
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