Northern Ireland will not be classed as a host nation for the Euro 2028 finals and will miss out on a back-door route to qualify, the Football Association of Ireland's chief executive says.

Northern Ireland is not eligible for the back-door route to qualification for Euro 2028 after Casement Park was ruled out as a venue, it is understood

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.

FAI chief executive David Courell has revealed that Uefa intends to reduce the number of stadiums from 10 to nine

Ireland’s qualifying prospects have received a major boost as Northern Ireland cannot avail of an automatic slot in the wake of the Casement Park decision.

NORTHERN Ireland’s chances of appearing in Euro 2028 have been dealt a blow after Casement Park’s removal as a host venue for the UEFA soccer tournament. Casement Park was named as one of ten venues across Ireland and the UK to host matches during the tournament.