The UK government has confirmed that it will not be providing funding to redevelop the stadium in time for the tournament, while adding that potential costs have risen to more than £400m.
With Northern Ireland not hosting matches at Euro 2028, it is a significant blow to the Irish FA who backed the ambitious project.
The government said there was a “significant risk” that the stadium would not be built in time.
Gary McAllister, chairman of the AONISC, has previously questioned the legacy that would be left by hosting the Euros at Casement Park, saying he felt it should be held at football stadia.
The Irish FA stated that increasing the capacity of Windsor Park, even temporarily, was not possible.
Responding to the Government’s decision, the AONISC stated: “We note the news this evening that HM Government has indicated that they are unable to fund the refurbishment of Casement Park for inclusion in Euro 2028.
“It is essential that the Irish FA now engages with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Northern Ireland football still has a significant role to play in the tournament and that football at all levels in our country enjoys a legacy of Euro 2028.”
In a joint statement addressed to Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons, NI Secretary of State Hilary Benn and Secretary of State for Culture and Sport Lisa Nandy said the Government had “regrettably, decided that it is not appropriate for the UK Government to provide funding to seek to build Casement Park in time to host matches at Euro 2028”.
In order to be ready for the 2028 tournament, Casement Park needed to be rebuilt by the summer of 2027.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said he remained focused on seeing how Northern Ireland could benefit from the tournament, despite Casement’s exclusion.
“Following this announcement, I will engage with the UK Government and other partners to see how Northern Ireland can still benefit from hosting the competition and ensure that there is a lasting legacy for football in Northern Ireland,” he said.
The Irish FA commented: “We note the Government’s decision. We will now take time to consider the implications of this with our bid partners and UEFA.”