GENEVA — Four candidates are in the running to host the European soccer championship in 2016.

Individual bids from France, Italy and Turkey and a joint proposal from Sweden-Norway were made before the deadline of midnight on Monday.

UEFA said in a statement Tuesday it would consider "any previous experience of relevant member associations, cities and venues in organizing multi-venue sports events" before confirming an official list of bidders in the next month.

Candidates must then prepare a bid dossier by Feb. 15, 2010. UEFA's executive committee will choose the host in May 2010.

The timetable gives the 2016 host six years to prepare for the tournament — one more year than Poland and Ukraine have been granted in their troubled buildup to Euro 2012.

The 2016 tournament will feature 24 teams after UEFA decided last year to increase the field from 16.

UEFA requires the 2016 host to provide nine stadiums each holding at least 30,000 spectators. A 50,000-capacity stadium is needed for the final.

Each of the four bids intends to use the tournament as a catalyst for major investment in building and upgrading stadiums.

Stadium standards in France and Italy have fallen behind countries like England, Germany and Spain since France hosted the World Cup in 1998 and Italy staged it in 1990.

France hosted the Euros in 1984 when current UEFA president Michel Platini captained the home team to the first of its two European titles.

Italy staged the eight-team tournament in 1980, after the finals were expanded into a single-venue event with a group stage and knockout matches for the first time. Italy was a strong favorite to be chosen as host for Euro 2012 but was beaten in the final vote.

The bid competition between Italy and France will continue one of soccer's most intense rivalries.

Italy beat France on penalties in the final of the 2006 World Cup. The two countries had to play through the same qualifying group to reach the Euro 2008 tournament in Switzerland and Austria. Italy then beat France in a group stage match to reach the quarterfinals.

Sweden hosted the Euros in 1992 when just four stadiums were needed. It was the last time only eight teams took part before the tournament was doubled in size to 16 at Euro 1996.

Norway has never hosted a European championship and has qualified only once. It was knocked out in the group stage of the 2000 tournament played in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Turkey would also be hosting a European championship for the first time. Last year the Turkish government offered to host Euro 2012 if Poland and Ukraine were unable to meet their deadlines to complete preparations.