1 day ago
PARIS, France (AP) — The French soccer federation launched its bid to host the 2016 European Championship on Thursday.
"We are now officially candidates to host the 2016 Euros and we launch the bid today", French federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes said during a news conference.
Italy's federation said last week it was also interested in hosting the 2016 championship after losing out to Poland and Ukraine for the 2012 tournament.
Scotland and Wales abandoned plans for a joint bid due to the global economic downturn, but Sweden and Norway are said to be still considering a joint bid.
UEFA, the sports governing body for Europe, has announced plans to expand the tournament to 24 teams for 2016.
France has won the last two major tournaments it hosted — the 1998 World Cup and 1984 Euros.
PARIS, France (AP) — The French soccer federation launched its bid to host the 2016 European Championship on Thursday.
"We are now officially candidates to host the 2016 Euros and we launch the bid today", French federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes said during a news conference.
Italy's federation said last week it was also interested in hosting the 2016 championship after losing out to Poland and Ukraine for the 2012 tournament.
Scotland and Wales abandoned plans for a joint bid due to the global economic downturn, but Sweden and Norway are said to be still considering a joint bid.
UEFA, the sports governing body for Europe, has announced plans to expand the tournament to 24 teams for 2016.
France has won the last two major tournaments it hosted — the 1998 World Cup and 1984 Euros.