Irish FA rules out Windsor Park extension as alternative to Casement Park
A fly-through of the proposed Casement Park redevelopment for the 2028 Euros
The chief executive of the Irish FA has ruled out any prospect of Windsor Park being expanded in time to make it an alternative Euro 2028 venue.
Patrick Nelson was responding to a suggestion from a leading supporters’ spokesman to bring the national football stadium up to the required capacity for the tournament.
Uefa announced in October that the UK/Ireland bid to host Euro 2028 had been successful.
Five games will be played in the still unbuilt 34,000-seater GAA stadium.
If they qualify, Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland will play there – but it has divided supporters.
Banners proclaiming ‘No Casement’ were unfurled by fans at Northern Ireland’s recent Euro 2024 qualifiers against San Marino and Slovenia at Windsor Park.
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In a letter to the Irish FA, Gary McAllister, chair of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs (AONISC), asked Mr Nelson what would be “Plan B” if Casement Park wasn’t ready in time for the Euro 2028 games.
Mr McAllister suggested an upgrade of Windsor Park, but Mr Nelson replied: "There is no current funding opportunity from government for any extension to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.”
Windsor Park currently has a all-seater capacity of 18,500 and needs a minimum of 30,000 for the tournament finals.
Mr McAllister also expressed concerns over funding for local football, the legacy for the game by playing Euro 2028 games at Casement Park and the safety of Northern Ireland fans travelling to the venue in an area of west Belfast which has a predominantly nationalist population.
In his response, Mr Nelson said the NI football team were proud of Windsor Park but it wasn’t possible to expand the stadium for the Euro 2028 games.
"The national stadium at Windsor Park is our home and a place we are proud of, but there is no route to fund an expansion,” he said.
"The alternative to the route we have chosen was not to have any ambition for Northern Ireland football and decline to be part of the bid. The matter of the funding for Casement Park is a consideration for government.
"The planning for the access and egress of fans to stadia [Casement Park] will be given every consideration with governmental partners and the PSNI. There is no question it will be overlooked and we will work closely and diligently on all aspects of this.
"This is a pivotal moment for football and society in this country. The Irish FA and the Amalgamation can be crucial in playing a positive role in this."
