Sports
What Happened to Derelict British Stadium Which Will No Longer Host Euro 2028
The 2028 UEFA European Football Championship will be co-hosted by England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. There will be nine host venues, but there were originally supposed to be 10.
As of November 2025, the venues for each round of the competition have now been revealed, along with dates for the matches. For reference, the stadia are: Wembley (London), Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London), Principality Stadium (Cardiff), Etihad Stadium (Manchester), Everton Stadium (Liverpool), St James’ Park (Newcastle), Villa Park (Birmingham), Hampden Park (Glasgow), and Aviva Stadium (Dublin).
England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland are all represented as host nations, but Northern Ireland were also in the mix originally, with Belfast’s Casement Park listed in the proposal. However, the 34,500-seater has since been abandoned as an option.
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Full List of EURO 2028 Stadiums |
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|---|---|---|
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Stadium Name |
Location |
Capacity |
|
Wembley Stadium |
London, England |
90.000 |
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Principality Stadium |
Cardiff, Wales |
74.500 |
|
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
London, England |
62.850 |
|
Etihad Stadium |
Manchester, England |
53.400 |
|
Everton Stadium |
Liverpool, England |
53.000 |
|
Hampden Park |
Glasgow, Scotland |
52.000 |
|
St. James’ Park |
Newcastle, England |
52.000 |
|
Aviva Stadium |
Dublin, Ireland |
51.700 |
|
Villa Park |
Birmingham, England |
42.640 |
Why Casement Park Won’t Host Euro 2028
Redeveloping costs are far too high
Casement Park first opened in 1953 as a stadium for Gaelic games, and has been the home of Antrim GAA since its inception. Sadly, though, it has not hosted a sporting event since June 2013.
There have actually been plans to start building a new stadium there since 2011, before Euro 2028 was considered. That was supposed to cost £76m, with £61m coming from Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government and £15m from the GAA. But as costs soared, the GAA, which owns the ground, is adamant it won’t contribute anymore.
When it was listed as a host for Euro 2028, £180m was the expected figure required to complete the project (with taxpayer money used to help), but that soon rose to potentially over £400m.
As such, it will simply cost too much to get Casement Park up to UEFA standard. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and Sports Minister Lisa Nandy subsequently wrote in a letter to Northern Ireland’s Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons:
“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.”
A year or so on and Lyons is still facing the same financial troubles. Although a redesigned plan for the 34,000-seater was approved in 2022, Lyons insists he is yet to see a final proposal from the GAA and that construction inflation could prevent them from completing their project within a necessary timeframe. “We still have that issue of funding when it comes to Casement as there is a gap that needs to be bridged,” he said, per BBC Sport.
“The first thing we need to know is, what do they actually want? There have been a number of different proposals around in terms of the build and the planning. What spec of a stadium? If it (capacity) is north of 32,000 there is a price tag that comes with that if they are prepared to look at alternative options. That (lower capacity) will come at a lower cost.”
UEFA requires all European Championship stadia to have a capacity exceeding 30,000 – and that also rules out Northern Ireland’s footballing home, Windsor Park (which holds 18,500 spectators). And so, with Casement Park off the cards, Northern Ireland will not get to host any of the tournament football matches that summer.
Past Issues With Casement Park
The future remains uncertain amid protests
Beyond the financial side of things, Casement Park has faced many other obstacles. In 2014, the High Court overturned planning permission for the project, with local residents claiming it would block out light from homes and cause serious traffic disruption.
Then, in 2015, it emerged that a Safety Technical Group (STG) formed to oversee safety issues around the new stadium had not approved the design plans due to concerns over how long it would take people to leave the ground in an emergency. Later, one of the STG members, safety expert Paul Scott, told a Northern Ireland Assembly committee that he had been put “under pressure” to approve the plans by government officials.
Eventually, a fresh application for planning permission (submitted in 2017) was granted in 2021. In 2022, local residents lost a legal challenge against the new project, meaning the stadium could now go ahead.
But with funding proving too costly to get the project finished in time for Euro 2028, it remains unclear what the future holds for Casement Park. In April of this year, several thousand people gathered in a rally to protest the failure to redevelop the venue. It is estimated that it would cost at least £260m to build a new stadium, but only around £120m is currently available.
It’s not all doom and gloom for the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland, as the capital city has at least been confirmed to host the UEFA EURO 2028 Qualifying Draw on 6 December 2026. Held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Belfast, the highly anticipated event will prove that Northern Ireland can continue to be a valuable partner in the lead-up to the international showpiece.
Sports
Liverpool Target Two New Wingers Alongside Barcola Deal
Liverpool are looking at some new winger options in the transfer market, according to TeamTalk, alongside a possible switch for Bradley Barcola this summer.
The Reds were pursuing a move for Yan Diomande, having submitted offers to RB Leipzig for the Ivorian winger, but they were met with rejection.
Instead, the 19-year-old is opting towards joining PSG, shutting the door on a switch to Anfield, and resulting in Liverpool having to look elsewhere in the transfer market.
Bradley Barcola is a key target, not least as Diomande’s move to PSG may force an exit as he enters the final two years of his contract with the European champions.
While he may be the most high-profile candidate on the club’s radar, it appears as though another two options are being assessed for a deal this summer.
Liverpool Eye Said El Mala
One of those options, according to TeamTalk, is Koln forward Said El Mala, who appears likely to leave the German club in the coming weeks.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a successful campaign last time out, making 36 appearances, bagging 13 goals and five assists for the Bundesliga outfit.
In that time, the youngster largely featured on the left wing, but also received minutes as a centre-forward, in attacking midfield, and on the right wing.
The Germany youth international continues to receive plenty of interest as a result, and was seemingly close to joining Brentford earlier in the transfer window.
That move fell through, however, and now a switch to Liverpool could be on the cards as they continue to monitor a potential deal to sign El Mala.
A move does appear complicated, however, as his brother, Malek El Mala, is believed to want a move with his brother to wherever his next destination is.
It remains to be seen whether that could be a deal-breaker for Liverpool, while Premier League rivals Newcastle United remain in the hunt for his signature too.
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Liverpool Want Bazoumana Toure
The other winger Liverpool have been linked with is Hoffenheim star Bazoumana Toure. The 20-year-old Ivorian star has impressed over the past year, bagging five goals and 12 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
The forward largely features on the left wing, but has also received some minutes on the right and as a centre-forward when required for his team.
It’s claimed that Toure, who is currently at the World Cup with the Ivory Coast, is viewed as a “long-term” option for Liverpool to help improve their options.
Sky Sports: Liverpool Hold Talks to Sign ‘Elite’ Winger After Diomande Rejection
Liverpool have discussed a move for one of their transfer targets this summer, as they move on from Yan Diomande’s rejection.
He would join Rio Ngumoha in becoming a young development player for the long-term, while Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz are expected to take up roles as the more experienced options.
It remains to be seen who the Reds will land, as they must now adjust to the blow of missing out on Yan Diomande in the transfer window.
Sports
Arsenal Set For Transfer Windfall Thanks To Rivals Chelsea
Arsenal could be in line for a decent transfer windfall this summer, as CaughtOffside claims that a former player may join their rivals Chelsea in the coming weeks.
The Gunners are set for an important market, with Mikel Arteta keen to add even more quality to his squad after winning the Premier League last season.
A move for Bruno Guimaraes has been at the forefront of their business so far, with an offer made for the Newcastle ace, with a belief that any move could prove costly.
As a result, some sales may need to help raise some funds, with Christian Norgaard among those who have been linked with an exit this summer.
However, London rivals Chelsea may help provide a windfall for the club through a sell-on clause for a former player.
Chelsea Eye Folarin Balogun
After a few impressive World Cup outings this summer, Chelsea are eyeing a transfer for Folarin Balogun this summer, according to Caught Offside.
The former Arsenal striker is believed to be a target for the Blues, with AS Monaco demanding roughly £47.4 million to sanction a possible exit.
Chelsea seemingly view the 24-year-old as an ideal option, while Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap are linked with an exit, handing Xabi Alonso another striker option.
However, it would hand Arsenal a transfer windfall as a result, due to the club having a sell-on clause inserted into the deal for the former Gunners academy product.
It’s a clause worth 17.5 percent of the overall fee, which could see the Premier League champions land a sizable sum to go towards their other transfer deals.
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Arsenal’s Transfer Plans
Arsenal’s summer transfer window is set to be an important one, as the team looks to keep progressing and continue winning all the biggest prizes.
Deals for some of the biggest names in the Premier League are on the cards, but it is likely to come at quite an expense for the Gunners.
Bruno Guimaraes is a major target, with the midfielder likely to cost upwards of £70 million, while Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is another who is being quoted at more than £100 million.
Arsenal Walk Away From Deal to Sign ‘World-Class’ Midfielder After Huge Reveal
Arsenal have seemingly walked away from a deal for one of their transfer targets, and will move on to other options this summer.
It all lines up towards an expensive window that will need to be financed by more than their impressive performances on the pitch over the course of the last season.
Arsenal’s inability to sell for large transfer fees has been an issue that needs to be addressed. While Balogun’s sale could indirectly help, the Gunners need to find a way to maximise the fees they receive in the transfer market.
Sports
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Blames Netherlands’ Shock World Cup Exit on Ronald Koeman
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has pinned the blame on one man after the Netherlands crashed out of the 2026 World Cup on Monday night.
Morocco secured their place in the last 16 thanks to a penalty shootout victory over the Oranje at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico.
Cody Gakpo had put Netherlands 1-0 up in the 72nd minute, days after the Liverpool star’s girlfriend tragically announced their unborn son had passed away during pregnancy, but the European nation were denied victory when Issa Diop equalised in stoppage-time.
No further goals were scored in extra-time, meaning the Round of 32 tie was settled on penalties.
Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all failed to convert from the spot before Ismael Saibari fired Morocco through to the next round, where they will meet joint-hosts Canada at the Houston Stadium on Saturday.
Germany (3) 1-1 (4) Paraguay: 2026 World Cup Player Ratings and Match Highlights
The Germans are out in disappointing fashion.
Zlatan Pins Blame on Koeman
Shortly after the final whistle, former Sweden striker Ibrahimovic didn’t hold back with his honest thoughts live on FOX Sports.
The ex-PSG, Barcelona and Manchester United star was quoted by ESPN as saying:
“I think this loss is on Koeman because I didn’t recognise this Dutch team. He lost with an identity that is not the Dutch identity and that makes me angry. Lose with your identity… that’s who you are.”
Koeman, who earned 78 caps for the Dutch national team between 1983-1994, has been in charge of the Oranje since 2023. However, his position as head coach is now under severe threat following Monday’s lacklustre performance against Morocco.
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Koeman Defends Defensive Tactics
The Netherlands, who perfected the revolutionary philosophy of Total Football in the 1970s, are accused of using ultra defensive tactics in their Round of 32 clash.
However, Koeman defended his tactical approach following the penalty shootout defeat. The 63-year-old told NOS, per Tribuna: “The atmosphere in the locker room was dramatic. When you see things like the penalty [from Soufiane Rahimi] that went under [Bart] Verbruggen, it’s because it wasn’t meant to be for us.
“I decided to play this way because we gave too much space in the group stage. We needed to mark better, you know! Morocco is an excellent team, with star players. So, I decided this after a meeting with the group. I don’t regret it one bit.
“I was trying to change the team according to the thinking about who could take the penalties. I lost [Frenkie] De Jong, I lost Gakpo… so I was trying to put in capable people. It didn’t work out, what can you do?”
De Jong was replaced by Marten de Roon in the 110th minute, while Kluivert came on for Gakpo minutes later.
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