Stadium might not be ready in time for UK and Ireland to host Euro 2028
One of the venues for Euro 2028 in the United Kingdom and Ireland is at risk of not being ready for the tournament in four years.
It was confirmed in October last year that the UK and Ireland's bid had been accepted, following the withdrawal of Turkey, who opted to focus on a joint bid for the 2032 tournament with Italy.
The 2028 venues were also confirmed last year, with ten venues set to host matches including Premier League grounds such as St James' Park, The Etihad, Villa Park, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Everton's brand new ground at Bramley Moore Dock was also selected ahead of the likes of Old Trafford, Anfield, and The Emirates, with the Toffees' new 53,000-capacity home set to open in 2025.
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The other grounds set to host include Wembley, Hampden Park, The Principality, The Aviva Stadium, and Casement Park, however, there could be a serious issue regarding the latter.
Casement Park currently sits derelict, with fears growing that the new 34,000-capacity rebuild will not be open in time.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has previously confirmed that Casement Park, which was closed in June 2013, will 100% be rebuilt.
However, it is noteworthy that the cost of redeveloping the Belfast stadium has significantly increased compared to the original estimations from a decade ago.
It was originally forecast to cost £78.5m to get the stadium back up and running, but that has now increased massively to £308m according to the official estimates.
Despite this drastic increase, Benn remained adamant the stadium would be completed.
Speaking last weekend he said: "[There are] two issues: first is cost and there’s a certain amount of money in the pot but it’s not enough.
"The second issue is we’re into extra time in trying to get it built in time for the Euros. But Casement Park will be built and as soon as I’m in a position to make that decision, I will. You have to bear with me."
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Tom Jenkins