'Really poor' Belfast won't host Euros - O'Neill
O'Neill is the current interim manager at Celtic
- Published
Former Northern Ireland captain Martin O'Neill has lamented the fact that Belfast will miss out on hosting games at Euro 2028, calling the situation "really poor".
The current Celtic interim manager won 64 international caps and wore the armband at 1982 World Cup in Spain, but feels it was a huge opportunity for Northern Ireland's current crop to play at a major tournament at home, while also noting the financial implications.
Casement Park, which has been closed since 2013, was proposed as a host venue but was withdrawn in September 2024 when the UK government confirmed it would not make up the shortfall in funding to redevelop the Belfast stadium in time.
The tournament will now be hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland and O'Neill feels calling it a missed opportunity for Northern Ireland is "a euphemism".
"It's terrible," he said, when speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster.
"How they couldn't have got the act together and put some money in, even though it's expensive, but look at the commercial opportunities that are lost.
"Look at all those things that are lost in Northern Ireland for the foreseeable future because of this. It's really very poor.
"The whole situation is really poor. A fantastic opportunity and for the players, wouldn't it have been lovely for them to step out there in Northern Ireland to play a game."
'I'm still unsure when new Celtic boss will be appointed'
The 73-year-old remains at the helm at Celtic as the Glasgow club seeks out a permanent manager following Brendan Rogers' resignation in October.
O'Neill has reiterated his stance that he is just there until the new appointment, but has no indication when that might be.
"The short and honest answer is I genuinely do not know," he confirmed.
"I'm not party to anything that is happening with the board talking to prospective clients, nor do I want to be because that has never been a remit of mine since I left Celtic (in 2005). The gentlemen involved can very easily make up their own minds without me interfering.
"I said I would do it until they found that replacement and that is possible before next week (against St Mirren) but I genuinely do not know.
"My job was to come in and hold the fort. The minute someone is appointed, I will step aside and if it was tomorrow, I would gladly step aside."