Martin O’Neill: Former NI skipper disappointed Belfast won’t be Euro 2028 host city

Former Northern Ireland captain Martin O’Neill has lamented the fact that Belfast will miss out on hosting games at Euro 2028, calling the situation “really poor”.

The current Celtic interim manager won 64 international caps and wore the armband at 1982 World Cup in Spain, but feels it was a huge opportunity for Northern Ireland’s current crop to play at a major tournament at home, while also noting the financial implications.

Casement Park, which has been closed since 2013, was proposed as a host venue but was withdrawn in September 2024 when the UK government confirmed it would not make up the shortfall in funding to redevelop the Belfast stadium in time.

The tournament will now be hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland and O’Neill feels calling it a missed opportunity for Northern Ireland “a euphemism”.

“It’s terrible,” he said, when speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster.

“How they couldn’t have got the act together and put some money in, even though it’s expensive, but look at the commercial opportunities that are lost.

“Look at all those things that are lost in Northern Ireland for the foreseeable future because of this. It’s really very poor.

“The whole situation is really poor. A fantastic opportunity and for the players, wouldn’t it have been lovely for them to step out there in Northern Ireland to play a game.”