Internal strife as Irish FA staff split on Euro 2028 games being held at Casement Park

Football’s governing body was forced to call a ‘clear the air’ meeting

A fly-through of the proposed Casement Park redevelopment for the 2028 Euros

The controversy surrounding Northern Ireland potentially playing games at Casement Park in the Euro 2028 finals has hit Windsor Park, with the Irish Football Association holding a staff meeting in an attempt to allay concerns and fears that some workers have regarding the matter.

The Belfast Telegraph understands the meeting, to which all staff were invited, took place last month after the UK/Ireland bid for the finals was officially declared successful and there was an open forum for views to be expressed be they negative or positive.

For some time now many Northern Ireland fans have made their feelings clear on the subject and a sizeable section voiced their disapproval in the form of chants and banners at the Windsor October Euro 2024 qualifiers against San Marino and Slovenia.

IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson has tried to ease staff concerns over Casement Park

The thorny issue has led to worry, discomfort and some discontent for certain IFA staff members who it is believed welcomed the meeting which involved high ranking officials.

One well-placed Irish FA source said: “Any of the concerns that came up were acknowledged, listened to, addressed and discussed. It was an opportunity for people to say what was on their mind.”

Further IFA staff meetings are expected because this issue is not going to go away. Just this week the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs said that a reply from IFA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson to questions about the plan to stage Euro 2028 matches at Casement Park “failed to address their concerns”.

In his response to the