Now that Euro 2024 has ended, UEFA is focusing its attention on the tournament to be held in four years and the possibility of hosting it in Belfast. Casement Park has been chosen to host the next European Championships, but it is still unclear how the project will be financed and whether it will be completed on time.

Will they make it?

According to BBC News NI, there is a slim chance of finding funds for the reconstruction of Casement Park before Euro 2028. The change of government in London gives the last hope of saving the project. The Labour Party administration has listened to pleas for significant financial support, and negotiations are currently underway to determine what kind of assistance Belfast can expect. Other entities willing to invest in the construction are also likely to emerge.

Plans to build a new stadium at Casement Park have existed since 2011. The Stormont authorities have pledged £36.2 million to the subregional stadium fund, aimed at improving football facilities in Northern Ireland. Casement Park was primarily intended for GAA matches but was also one of the 10 venues in the UK and Ireland selected to host Euro 2028. The redevelopment must be completed by the summer of 2027 to meet the UEFA deadline.

"The Irish government will not fail," really?

The Northern Ireland authorities have committed £62.5 million, the Irish government promised £43 million, and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the owner of the venue, announced that it would allocate £15 million. However, the initial cost of building the stadium, originally £77.5 million, has more than doubled over the past decade to around £300 million, creating a significant funding gap. The GAA has firmly stated that it will not pay more than the previously declared £15 million.

The Irish government stated that it is in principle ready to increase its pledge of the previously mentioned £43 million. Speaking on Sunday Politics, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris emphasized that the Irish government will not fail and announced that he would meet with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the coming days.

Are there pressures?

The next time a ball is kicked in the European Championships, it could be at Casement Park, said Michelle O'Neill after Spain's victory over England in this year's football tournament final on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, Sue Gray, the permanent secretary at Stormont and now the Labour Party's chief of staff, has been accused of undermining decisions of the cabinet and causing discontent among ministers through her personal dominance over the negotiations concerning Casement Park. This information was reported by The Irish Times on July 17, citing an anonymous source who thundered: This is unconstitutional! In response to this situation, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn stated that the government would no longer comment on Casement Park matters on an ongoing basis. The wrangling continues, and UEFA waits, watches the clock, and wants an answer.