Casement Park: IFA disappointed but accepts decision – CEO Patrick Nelson

Casement Park, which has been derelict since 2013, was the only stadium in Northern Ireland included in the UK and Ireland’s successful bid to host Euro 2028.

The Irish FA had backed the plans to host matches at the home of gaelic games in Belfast because of the limited capacity at Windsor Park.

However, the project has been controversial with numerous legal, safety and financial challenges delaying any construction work taking place.

Nelson defended the decision to back Casement Park and said the IFA had showed “huge ambition for our country to bring part of the world’s third-biggest sporting tournament here to Northern Ireland”, adding “Unfortunately, that won’t be happening now.”

Nelson said that the IFA would speak to Uefa, the other host nations for Euro 2028 and the government to discuss what role Northern Ireland could possibly play in the finals.

He added that the association’s ambition is still to “have as big a part as possible” for Northern Ireland.

Host nations for major football tournaments traditionally qualify automatically for the finals. However, given five nations were set to host Euro 2028, there had been uncertainty over how England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland would be eligible.

Friday’s decision over Casement Park has only added to that uncertainty, and Nelson it would be Uefa’s decision.

“I guess the only thing I can say at this point is that Northern Ireland will not be hosting games,” said Nelson, who added the IFA would be “relentless” in continuing to grow the sport across Northern Ireland.

“We definitely would hope to be part of the tournament in a playing capacity. We hope that every single time. That will be our aim.

“It is a little bit early to speak about what other parts of the tournament we can contribute to at this point.

“You can rest assured that we will be talking to all of the relevant partners to maximise what we can for Northern Ireland.”

When asked how much Northern Ireland’s and the IFA’s reputation will be hit by the saga surrounding Casement Park, Nelson said that the association was “well respected” within Uefa.

“Uefa has worked with us all the way through this bid,” he added.

“I think they will understand the position we are in. They will understand it is a government decision and, like us, they accept that in a democratic world governments make decisions.”