UK Government Withdraws Funding for Casement Park Redevelopment Ahead of Euro 2028

The UK government has decided not to fund the redevelopment of Northern Ireland's Casement Park stadium in time for the 2028 European Championship. The stadium, expected to host five matches, has costs that have risen to £400 million, leading to concerns it won't be built on time.

The UK government announced on Friday that it will not fund the redevelopment of Northern Ireland's Casement Park stadium for the 2028 European Championship.

Originally set to host five matches for Euro 2028, the outdated west Belfast venue has seen redevelopment costs soar to £400 million ($524.8 million). In correspondence to the British jurisdiction's minister for communities, Gordon Lyons, Northern Ireland minister Hilary Benn cited the escalating costs and the risk of not meeting deadlines as reasons for the withdrawal.

'The estimated build costs have dramatically risen from £180 million in October 2023 to potentially over £400 million,' said Benn. 'There is a significant risk it would not be completed in time for the tournament. Thus, the UK government will not seek to fund this project.' Northern Ireland's regional government leader Michelle O'Neill called the decision a 'deeply disappointing missed opportunity' for local sports and the economy.

(With inputs from agencies.)