UEFA launched timetable of bidding for the 2016 European Championship as a kick-off of seeking host for the soccer feast Thursday.

According to UEFA's executive committee, countries must enter the race by March 9 with joint bids accepted from two neighbors or, "in exceptional circumstances," three hosts for the 24-team tournament.

The host will be chosen by executive members in May 2010.

The executive body meeting at UEFA headquarters chose Denmark to host the men's European under-21 Championship in 2011, in preference to Israel's bid.

The 2016 championship will be expanded from the 16 nations contesting Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

Countries will play in six groups of four teams. The top two from each group will advance to a last-16 knockout stage with the four best third-place teams. The tournament will feature 51 matches, up from 31.

UEFA agreed the fourth and fifth officials were positioned behind each goal and communicate with the referee and his assistants running the touchlines through headsets.

They were asked to spot fouls when players come together in front of goal before a free kick or corner, and help rule on whether the ball has crossed the goal line.

The trials took place at 18 qualifying games for the European under-19 Championship, which will be in Slovenia, Hungary and Cyprus.

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2008)