Although it has been derelict since 2013, it is still hoped that Casement Park will be redeveloped within the next four years.

Work on the Belfast stadium is currently on hold, with the cost of the long-proposed redevelopment having soared from an initial estimate of £77.5m to £308m, but Casement remains one of the stadia shortlisted by UEFA to host matches when the UK and Ireland collectively host the Euro 2028 soccer championship.

“Commendable efforts are being made to make Casement Park a suitable venue for Euro 2028,” UEFA representative Luca Nicola told the IFA’s AGM. “Northern Irish partners have shown a strong will and commitment to make this happen, demonstrating that this is a project that goes beyond football for the country.

“Important challenges remain — we need to acknowledge that but the conditions for Casement Park to host Euro 2028 matches have been communicated and are known. We at UEFA are confident that with the support of all the Northern Irish partners, these conditions can be met and Belfast will be ready to welcome participating teams in four years’ time.”

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