Paris - The French Football Federation (FFF) announced Thursday that it has officially submitted its bid for the right to host Euro 2016.

Federation president Jean-Pierre Escallettes, made the announcement at a press conference in Paris.

The closing date for the applications is March 9 but formal bids from Italy, Turkey and a joint bid from Norway and Sweden are also expected.

The last major tournament hosted by France was the 1998 World Cup, which the country went on to win.

However, a major revamp of France's aging stadium infrastructure would be needed if the bid is to be successful.

Chief rival Italy hosted the World Cup in 1990 but failed in its bid to host Euro 2012 when Poland and Ukraine were chosen as joint hosts.

UEFA will issue a shortlist of bidders by April 1 and European football's ruling body will decide the winner on May 27, 2010. (dpa)