Istanbul, Feb 15 (IANS): The government of Turkey and the Turkish Football Federation on Wednesday announced the country's candidacy to host the UEFA 2024 European Football Championship.

Federation President Yildirim Demiroren announced that Turkey will on March 2 submit its candidacy to host the championship, reports Efe.

He stressed that Turkey is the only country in Europe and the world that has invested in 32 football stadiums in recent years, believing that Turkey and its people deserve the honour of hosting the world's third-biggest sporting event.

At the event held to announce Turkey intentions, Sports Minister Akif Cagatay Kilic said this step was taken with support from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

Only Turkey and Germany have announced their interest in hosting the event so far.

The deadline for submitting candidacies expires on March 3, while European football governing body UEFA will announce the winning bid in September.