13 October 2023 , 06:00
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Fans have been rejoicing this week following confirmation that Euro 2028 will take place in the UK and Ireland - and yet one venue crucial to the successful bid lies in tatters.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that following Turkey's withdrawal from the process, it meant football would be 'coming home' again, albeit to five different countries. And inevitably, like in Euro 1996 and the delayed 2020 tournament that was scattered around Europe, it's Wembley Stadium that will stage the final, as well as both final four matches.
England's national stadium is one of 10 that will stage a total of 51 games, with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, Villa Park, St James' Park, and Everton's proposed new home a Bramley Moore Dock also included. The Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Dublin's Aviva Stadium, and Hampden Park in Glasgow will bring games to Wales, Ireland, and Scotland respectively.
But while eyebrows have been raised over Anfield and Old Trafford being overlooked, the state of the 10th venue, Casement Park in Belfast, raises greater questions. The Gaelic Games venue has been derelict since being closed in 2021, with the former 32,000-seat arena currently representing an unkept and unpleasant eyesore.
Indeed, it's current state casts doubt over proposals to redevelopment the site into a 34,5000 seater stadium in under five years. Previous efforts at a revamp have failed, with enlisted contractors Buckingham Group previously given the job by the Ulster Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).
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The Casement Park pitch currently looks like a jungle (Twitter@https://twitter.com/MirrorSportIE)HAVE YOUR SAY! Was it right to overlook Anfield and Old Trafford? Comment below.
But that project stalled last September when the company entered administration. Prior to that setback, however, progress had been minimal amid financial constraints.
In March of this year though, the GAA turned heads by confirming that if redevelopment was included as part of the proposal, Casement Park could be part of the joint UK and Ireland bid for Euro 2028. And Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson vowed it would be "all systems go" to get it ready if required.
The venue once compromised of 32,000-seats (Getty Images)That bullish pledge now has to become a reality. And organisers are likely to keep a close eye on how the project materialises given the large number of other stadiums, not least the homes of Liverpool and Manchester United, that are waiting in the wings.
Windsor Park in Belfast has long served as the home to the Northern Ireland national side, and hosted the 2021 European Super Cup. However, the 18,500 venue was not deemed sufficient to form part of the Euro 2028 bid.