The Irish Football Association (IFA) has announced that Windsor Park cannot be expanded as an alternative venue for Euro 2028 if the redevelopment of Casement Park is not completed in time. The IFA responded to a suggestion by the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs to bring Windsor Park up to the capacity required for Euro 2028 games. If the redevelopment of Casement Park, a Gaelic Games ground, is not completed in time, NI’s host venue with a capacity of 34,500 for Euro 2028 will become a concern. Windsor Park is the home of the Northern Ireland team, but its capacity of 18,500 is inadequate for the tournament’s finals.
The Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs sent a letter to the IFA in which they noted its concerns and asked about the “plan B” if Casement Park is not finished within the necessary timescale. In light of this, has there been any exploration of the potential for investment in the national stadium (Windsor Park) to allow an increase in capacity, with the possibility of further expansion with temporary seating? The group has also voiced concerns over funding for the local game, the safety of Northern Ireland fans travelling to the venue in an area of west Belfast that has a predominantly nationalist population, and the legacy for football by playing Euro 2028 games at Casement Park.
The redevelopment of Casement Park has been hampered by various setbacks since it was first mentioned roughly a decade ago, including prolonged legal challenges. IFA CEO Patrick Nelson has stated that there is no possibility of government financing for any expansion to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park. “The national stadium at Windsor Park is our home and something we are proud of, but there is no way to finance an expansion,” he added. The IFA and the Amalgamation can play a vital role in football and society in this country at a game-changing moment, Nelson continued, adding that funding for Casement Park is a government matter. Planning for the access and egress of fans to stadia (Casement Park) will be closely monitored, and they will work closely and efficiently on all aspects of this, Nelson concluded
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