David Healy: Much-needed Irish League stadia funding should not be linked to Euro 2028

David Healy wants stadium money dished out quickly

Linfield manager David Healy has questioned why the Sub-Regional Stadia Strategy programme has suddenly become a vital component of the Euro 2028 legacy.

The Belfast Telegraph revealed in early February that the Sub-Regional Funding moved a step forward to being delivered through the command paper ‘Safeguarding the Union’, but only as a legacy of Euro 2028.

Since 2011, Irish League football has been promised £36.2million of Sub-Regional Funding for the upgrade of stadiums.

Clubs believe more than £100million is needed to repair crumbling grounds but it’s unclear whether further funding will be made available.

Meanwhile, Casement Park which is earmarked to host games at Euro 2028, has yet to be built and at this stage there is not sufficient funding to pay for the redevelopment, which could cost more than £200m.

Blues boss Healy says he’s baffled and dismayed by the inclusion of stadium money as part of a Euro 2028 legacy.

“The Sub-Regional Funding was first mooted in 2011 and the clubs have a desperate and dire need,” said the former Northern Ireland striker. “We need that funding delivered. I saw it is now linked with the Euro 2028 legacy and I don’t know why that’s the case. Clubs were promised this money over a decade ago and it hasn’t been delivered.

“As a huge advocate for this League, I want it to keep thriving and improving and we need investment in stadia for that to happen. The money should be in the clubs’ coffers.

“There was no 2028 legacy in 2011 or 2015 when the funding was agreed.

“Everything else seems to be improving and great credit to the Irish FA for bringing Mike Riley (Head of Refereeing) in to work alongside Andrew Davey.

“Managers question