Abandoned 34,500-seater football stadium that had been tipped to host Euro 2028 matches lands £50m towards restoration

AN abandoned stadium that was set to host Euro 2028 matches has received a huge boost over its future.

The major tournament was set to be hosted by the Republic of Ireland and the four home nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Belfast’s Casement Park was initially selected as among the stadiums to host games amid plans to rebuild the ground to a 34,000 capacity.

But it has since been axed from Euro 2028 due to funding issues and Northern Ireland will no longer be a host nation.

Despite that, redevelopment of Casement Park is still going ahead and the government have confirmed that they are making a £50million contribution to the project.

But there is still a £90m shortfall as Stormont chiefs and the Gaelic Athletic Association can only find £120m of the £260m required.

Northern Ireland’s finance minister John O’Dowd welcomed the government’s backing and encouraged everyone to “now work together” to get the stadium built.

Casement Park shut down in 2013 and has since been left abandoned.

Incredible photos show the stands rotting and the pitch overgrown.

The ground welcomed 31,000 supporters back in its pomp for hurling and Gaelic football matches.

The derelict site has received planning permission to be modernised and early demolition work has begun.

But some have called for the proposed design to be axed to allow for a cheaper build to be made.

Northern Ireland currently play their home games at the 18,500-seater Windsor Park.

Uefa require all grounds for major tournaments to be able to hold 30,000 fans.

The Irish FA have ruled out expanding Windsor Park.