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    Euro 2028 set for major change with abandoned UK stadium ‘unlikely to host games’ after redevelopment funding withdrawn

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    EURO 2028 is set for a major change to its originally scheduled plan, after the UK government announced it would not be providing funding to one stadium.Originally, 10 stadiums across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were due to host matches for the next European Championships.Northern Ireland’s Casement Park will no longer host matches at Euro 2028Credit: SportsfileIt comes after the government pulled funding for a redevelopment project of the groundCredit: PacemakerThe estimated cost for the project had ‘risen dramatically’Credit: PacemakerHowever, Northern Ireland’s chances of hosting one such game now appear to be dead in the water.The plan was for the country to host four matches at a rebuilt Casement Park in Belfast.But costs “dramatically” rising by more than £220million have now seen that plan scrapped.The UK government announced on Friday night that the estimated cost of rebuilding the ground now stood at more than £400m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConsequently, funding for the redevelopment project has now been pulled due to there being “significant risk” it would not be built in time.In order to be ready for Euro 2028, the building project for Casement Park would need to be meet a Uefa deadline of being completed by the summer of 2027.The ground, which would have seated 34,500, has been left empty for more than a decade and is now in a state of disrepair with overgrown grass and neglected facilities.The announcement was made in a joint letter from NI secretary Hilary Benn and Sports Minister Lisa Nandy to Stormont Minister Gordon Lyons – head of sport in Northern Ireland.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt read: “The estimated build costs have risen dramatically – from £180m when the EURO 2028 bid was awarded in October 2023 to potentially over £400m – and there is a significant risk that it would not be built in time for the tournament.”We have therefore, regrettably, decided that it is not appropriate for the UK government to provide funding to seek to build Casement Park in time to host matches at EURO 2028.”UK and Ireland WILL host Euro 2028 after Turkey pull out of race leaving no opposing bidsThe news comes despite Primer Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray, “pushing hard” for the Gaelic football ground to be funded.Mr Lyons said his department remains “committed to the 2011 agreement with the GAA for a GAA stadium”.He added he he will work with the government and other stakeholders to “ensure that there is a lasting legacy for football in Northern Ireland”.The Ulster GAA branded the announcement “bitterly disappointing”.Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Irish FA said it would “consider the implications of this with our bid partners and UEFA”.Even if they do not end up hosting any matches, Northern Ireland could play a role as a training base or host warm-up games at the existing Windsor Park Stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Times have reported that the four matches due to be hosted in Northern Ireland will be split among the other host nations.The report adds that London’s Wembley, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium are the four set be handed an extra match.The stadium was announced alongside 10 others for Euro 2028 matchesCredit: SportsfileContingency plans have proposed that Wembley hosts one extra match along with three other stadiumsCredit: Alamy More

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      in Soccer

      Major Euro 2028 change with co-host set to DROP OUT and allow Wembley to host at least one more match

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      NORTHERN IRELAND is reportedly set to DROP OUT as co-hosts of Euro 2028 due to the financial constraints of redeveloping Casement Park.If that happens Wembley – who will host the semi-finals and final – will be handed the opportunity to put on at least one more match.Northern Ireland are likely to drop out of Euro 2028 hosting dutiesAs the the redevelopment of Casement Park is expected to cost around £308mIf Northern Ireland do drop out Wembley will put on one extra game at Euro 2028Credit: AFPLikewise, the four matches that Belfast is due to host will be spread among Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Uefa expects Northern Ireland to withdraw from hosting duties because of problems over raising the money to redevelop their stadium.Casement Park is yet to the fully funded with the latest estimated costs sitting at £308m.There have been plans to build a modern 34,000 capacity stadium on the site for more than 10 years.read more football newsBut political instability, issues behind the scenes and planning permission U-turns combined to keep the bulldozers away.A former senior Uefa strategist believes Belfast and the rest of the north will miss out on a huge opportunity, both financially and political, with the likely loss of Euro 2028.Ian Mallon told an Irish news outlet: “It is so unique for any city to be considered as a host venue for such a major tournament.”The mix of support, disinterest, and outright opposition to the use of Casement Park is completely irrational and ridiculous.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSecretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris has pledged £62.5m, with the Irish government promising £42.8m and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) offering £15m.The UK government is allegedly prepared to contribute, but it is yet to give an exact figure.Sharlene Mawdsley & Sophie Becker beam as European Championship medallists return home to rapturous receptionHow the home nations and Ireland could qualify for Uefa 2028England and the other host nations will still have to play qualifying matches for Euro 2028.Uefa will only award a maximum of two automatic qualification spots and it will hold these in reserve for any host nation that fails to make it. If three fail to qualify, the two best-ranked teams will take the reserve spots.Uefa is set to award Cardiff the opening match of the European Championship in 2028 in a blow to hopes in England that Wembley would host the tournament’s curtain-raiser. More

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      in Soccer

      Euro 2028 stadium lies in ruins just four years before UK and Ireland host with weed-covered ground ‘£230m over-budget’

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      A FOOTBALL stadium set to be used for Euro 2028 is yet to be fully funded.Casement Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is set to undergo a major redevelopment in preparation for the tournament.Casement Park is set to be redeveloped for Euro 2028Credit: PacemakerThe stadium has been unused for over 10 yearsCredit: PacemakerThe redevelopment is expected to cost around £308mCredit: PacemakerHowever, the estimated cost has increased to £308million – £230m more than the initial projection. The original cost of rebuilding the stadium 10 years ago was estimated to be around £77.5m.But at present there is not a funding package in place to pay for the works.Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris has pledged £62.5m, with the Irish government promising £42.8m and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) offering £15m.Read More on FootballHowever, that amounts to less than half of the overall estimated cost.The UK government is allegedly prepared to contribute, but it is yet to give an exact figure.Casement Park has been left unused for over 10 years and it currently lies overgrown.However, there are plans in place to turn it into a 34,500-seater stadium in time for Euro 2028.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe planned stadium will be primarily used for gaelic games with the option of playing other sports too, including football and rugby.Wembley Stadium, Hampden Park, Villa Park, the Aviva Stadium and Everton’s new ground are all among the proposed locations for Euro 2028.Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot More

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      in Soccer

      Inside abandoned stadium left overgrown and derelict for decade as it faces race against time to be ready for Euro 2028

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      EURO 2028 will be spread across ten stadiums in the UK and Ireland.But one of them is currently facing a race to be ready in time for the tournament as it lies overgrown and derelict.
      Casement Park has been left empty for 10 yearsCredit: Pacemaker
      The Gaelic football stadium is overgrown and derelictCredit: Pacemaker
      The ground is set to host games during EURO 2028Credit: Pacemaker
      It looks a long way from being ready for the tournamentCredit: Pacemaker
      Casement Park – which is situated in west Belfast – has been empty since 2013.
      The Gaelic football ground is looking worse for wear with overgrown weeds and neglected facilities.
      But plans are in place for to turn it into a 34,500 seat stadium in time for the Euros in 2028.
      Preparation work is set to begin next week that will see site clearance and the removal of the old terracing.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The redevelopment of the arena will have to commence before the summer and be completed by mid-2027 in order to meet a Uefa deadline ahead of the highly anticipated tournament.
      And Euro 2028 organisers have been forced to explore other options amid fears Casement Park may not be ready in time.
      The redevelopment will see the stadium have an incredible face-lift that would make it a permanent home for Gaelic football, but would have special dispensation to be used for Euro 2028.
      In March 2023 the GAA announced that, if redeveloped as proposed, it would give special permission under Rule 42 for Casement Park to be included in the tournament.
      Most read in Football
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      The design was put forward by Populous, the architectural firm behind the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley and the proposed work to Old Trafford.
      However the spectacular plans haven’t been met with overwhelming support with some local residents labelling the new stadium as a “disaster”.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Government to help pay for £2BILLION Wembley of the North Man Utd stadium
      Casement Park, which was named after Irish nationalist and diplomat Roger Casement, is one of two grounds in the UK and Ireland’s bid that are currently unbuilt.
      The other is Everton’s Bramley-Moore Dock, which is due to be completed by 2024.
      Casement Park is named after Irish nationalist and diplomat Roger CasementCredit: Pacemaker
      The redevelopment of the stadium would make a huge change to the local areaCredit: Pacemaker
      Plans show how different it would lookCredit: Pacemaker
      The proposed redevelopment would see the arena seat 34,500 fansCredit: Pacemaker More

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      in Boxing

      Boxing legend Katie Taylor celebrates with pop superstar Ed Sheeran after epic triumph over Chantelle Cameron

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      KATIE Taylor celebrated with pop superstar Ed Sheeran after her epic triumph over Chantelle Cameron – as the Bray boxer’s dad Pete last night joined calls for a Croke Park trilogy.The Irish legend landed two-weight undisputed glory over the weekend with a gutsy revenge mission over British brawler Cameron.
      Katie Taylor landed two-weight undisputed glory over the weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Katie celebrated with Ed Sheeran after her win
      Katie’s father and former coach Pete urged promoters, the GAA and the Government to deliver her Croker dreamCredit: © 2023 PA Media, All Rights Reserved
      Six months ago Cameron left Taylor reeling by inflicting her only professional loss.
      But our ring queen bounced back by winning their thrilling rematch at Dublin’s 3Arena by majority decision on Saturday to avenge May’s defeat at the same venue.
      Ecstatic Katie, who went into the rematch as underdog for the first time in her career, celebrated afterwards with Grammy-winning musician Ed.
      The defiant grappler proudly showed off the WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF belts at both 135lb and 140lb as she now eyes a trilogy at Croke Park.

      And speaking to the Irish Sun last night, Katie’s father and former coach Pete urged promoters, the GAA and the Government to deliver her Croker dream.
      Pete, Katie’s coach when she won gold at the London 2012 Olympics, declared: “She deserves it (Croke Park).
      “The performance spoke for itself.”
      Katie has been desperate to headline a historic showdown at GAA HQ but previous attempts have been KO’d by a costs wrangle.
      Most read in Boxing
      Talks broke down largely stemming from issues relating to security costs, which the GAA believe promoters Matchroom should cover.
      But with Taylor and Cameron locked at 1-1, Katie roared: “Let’s get the trilogy at Croke Park!”
      Promoter Eddie Hearn has issued a plea to GAA bosses and the Irish Government to help get Croker on for an Irish icon.
      Hearn has previously tried to stage a fight between Amanda Serrano and Taylor at Croke Park.
      But the Matchroom supremo insists his fighter must fight in front of 80,000 fans at GAA HQ before she hangs up her gloves.
      ‘SHE DESERVES IT’
      Hearn said: “She deserves everything, she’s made you so proud. A two-division undisputed world champion, the greatest night in her career.
      “Croke Park has to happen, she’s done everything for the sport, she deserves it, next Spring and Summer, we’ll create an event.”
      Hearn says that either Cameron or Amanda Serrano will be the likely opponent for Taylor in 2024.
      And he pleaded with GAA bosses and Government to help allow Ireland’s “greatest ever athlete” to fight at Croker.
      Hearn said: “We could make a financial case on tourism and why an event like this would be a huge success for this country. But if they can’t understand the compassionate side of giving this event and night to their greatest ever athlete then I really don’t know what we are doing.
      “We are not even asking for favours. All we are asking for is for the cost to be in line with the biggest stadia in the world where we hold boxing. We don’t want a free stadium. If they want to give us one that would be marvellous. All we are saying is just make it there or thereabouts at Wembley, or Millennium Stadium or Dallas Cowboys.
      “Should we just all try and work together -what a moment that would be.” More