Euro 2028: NIFL chief Gerard Lawlor slams ‘irony of hypocrisy’ over reaction to Euro 2028 draw being held in Belfast

Northern Ireland Football League [NIFL] chief executive Gerard Lawlor has hit out at what he believes is the over-reaction of those who have been celebrating the news that Belfast is to host the draw for the Euro 2028 qualifiers next year.

The draw is scheduled to take place at the ICC Belfast on 6 December 2026.

The Irish Football Association hailed the announcement on Wednesday night as “fantastic news”, with the association’s president Conrad Kirkwood adding that it was “a proud moment for the Irish FA and for everyone who loves football here in Northern Ireland”.

The tournament will be hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland with no matches set to take place in Northern Ireland.

Casement Park, which has not been in operation since 2013, was originally listed as one of the stadiums to be considered when the UK and Republic of Ireland submitted their bid to host Euro 2028.

However, the west Belfast venue was withdrawn from the list of venues in September 2024 after the UK government said it would not be providing funding to redevelop the stadium in time for the tournament.

“I can’t help but shake the sheer irony of hypocrisy to the Euro draw announcement,” said Lawlor in a post on his X account, external.

“The same people who fell flat & failed when it actually mattered, missing a major opportunity and a once in a lifetime football legacy, are suddenly celebrating because they get to host a draw ceremony for an hour.

“Only here do we turn failure into fanfare this fast with a total lack of accountability. Unreal.”