Uefa to 'discuss implications' of UK Euros decision

Plans have been in place to build a new stadium at Casement Park since 2011

Uefa says it will "discuss the implications" of the UK government's decision not to provide funding to redevelop Casement Park in Belfast in time to be used as a venue for Euro 2028.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The chances of Northern Ireland hosting matches in the tournament appeared to end when the decision was announced on Friday night in light of the estimated cost of the project rising to more than £400m.

The initial estimated cost of rebuilding Casement was £77.5m, with £62.5m coming from the Stormont executive and £15m from the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

That was more than a decade ago, and since then costs have risen dramatically.

The government said that there was "a significant risk" that the stadium would not be built in time.

The announcement was made in a joint letter from NI Secretary Hilary Benn and Sports Minister Lisa Nandy to Stormont Minister Gordon Lyons, who is in charge of sport in Northern Ireland.

"Uefa has taken note of the UK government’s position regarding Casement Park, which we will review together with the UK and Ireland 2028 partnership to discuss the implications for the host venue planning of the tournament," read the statement released by Uefa to BBC Sport NI.

Stadiums in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have already been confirmed for the 2028 event.

'Urgent meeting to agree next steps' - GAA

A statement released by the GAA on Saturday said confirmation that Belfast would not be a host for Euro 2028 was "a missed opportunity and one that our entire society will look back on with considerable regret".

"Ulster GAA has taken every possible step to keep the project on track for the UEFA Euro 2028 Football Championships. This included investing over £4m in critical aspects of pre-enabling works in anticipation of the procurement of the new main contractor.

"On his appointment to office the Secretary of State Hilary Benn, on behalf of the British Government, gave firm commitments that Casement Park will be built, a commitment also given by his predecessor. We have sought an urgent meeting with him to agree next steps."

The statement went on to say that the focus would now switch to ensuring that Casement would be reconstructed to facilitate the playing of gaelic games.

"Casement Park will be built, and we will work with all partners to ensure that the promises made by the NI Executive over 13 years ago and within successive Programmes for Government, to deliver on the strategic stadia need of the GAA in the province and in Belfast, Ireland’s second city, are fulfilled.

"As we continue to work towards the delivery of the new Casement Park, which will host Gaelic Games at all levels, and be a community hub for West Belfast, we would like to thank Gaels throughout Antrim, Ulster and Ireland for their patience, commitment and unwavering support for the project over many years.

Northern Ireland supporters' spokesman Gary McAllister says NI should still derive benefit from the Euro 2028 tournament

Meanwhile, Gary McAllister, who is chairman of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs (AONISC), told BBC Sport NI that it was important that Northern Ireland still derives some benefit from the Euro finals.

Northern Ireland could still have a role as a training base or host warm-up matches at the existing Windsor Park stadium.

"We note the news that HM government has indicated that they are unable to fund the refurbishment of Casement Park for inclusion in Euro 2028," said McAllister on behalf of the supporters' association he represents.

"It is essential that the Irish FA now engages with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Northern Ireland football still has a significant role to play in the tournament and that football at all levels in our country enjoys a legacy of Euro 2028."