Significant Euro 2028 qualification boost for Ireland as path clears for finals spot
But Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork has been ruled out as a potential replacement Euro 2028 venue, with UEFA sticking with just nine stadia
The Republic of Ireland now have a clear path to Euro 2028 qualification.
Northern Ireland have been told they are no longer eligible for one of the backup spots, earmarked by UEFA for co-hosts who fail to qualify automatically.
That’s because Casement Park in Belfast was ruled out as a host venue, as it won’t be redeveloped in time.
“I won’t go into the details of it, but what I will say is that we’re very confident that we will feature in Euro 2028,” said FAI chief executive David Courell.
Read More: Aiden McGeady details awkward way Celtic stars brought him ‘down a peg or two’
Read More:Major Caoimhin Kelleher development as Liverpool boss Arne Slot issues Alisson fitness update
While UEFA has yet to confirm its qualification criteria, it’s been widely expected that two spots will be held in reserve for any of the five co-hosts that miss out.
Northern Ireland are no longer in the mix and will have to qualify automatically, but England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland all have the fallback option.
Courell believes Ireland can qualify on the pitch, but said: “We have the benefit of a highly increased likelihood of qualifying if we don’t go through on merit.
“We’re having conversations with UEFA but the working assumption is all of us will go through qualification.
“If we are unsuccessful in qualifying on merit, there will be automatic slots in reserve but that has yet to be ratified by UEFA. To be clear, Northern Ireland won’t qualify for an automatic slot if they are not a host nation.”
But Courell stressed he takes no pleasure from the IFA’s predicament and continued: “I’m obviously disappointed that Northern Ireland will not feature as a host nation.
“We look forward to continuing to involve them in the tournament and we are working with UEFA and the other host nations to see how that looks
“We’re keen to see them as a partner for this tournament. They could host a draw, broadcast or training centre, or something. All of these variables are up for discussion.”
While Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork was briefly mooted in September as a possible alternative Euro 2028 venue to Casement Park, Courell has ruled that out.
The matches initially earmarked for Belfast will instead be redistributed among the nine remaining host venues in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
And Courell revealed that Aviva Stadium in Dublin could stage two extra games - but more likely one - to the six it is already hosting.
“The FAI were very supportive of a tenth venue being stood up in the Republic of Ireland,” said Courell.
“The Irish Government has been hugely supportive, not only to us, but to attract as much of this tournament as possible to these shores.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t a decision for us. We made those representations but UEFA have decided on a nine venue solution.”
Courell continued: “The Republic of Ireland is fighting to get as many games as we possibly can, but there are limitations on what we can host in the Aviva.
“Not because it’s not an amazing facility, but we’re already hosting four group games, one last-16 and one quarter-final. The schedule needs to permit adequate rest days for the pitch, plus the machinations of each group.”
And Courell added: “We’ve expressed an interest to host a further two games but I think that is probably a stretch. We may not have the capacity to accommodate, schedule wise, in the eyes of UEFA.”
Asked if two additional games were a stretch but one extra game was doable, Courell said: “Correct”.
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
