Ten countries, including joint efforts by Poland and Ukraine as well as Croatia and Hungary, are lining up bids to hold the finals of the Euro 2012 football championships.

Azerbaijan, Greece, Italy, Romania, Russia and Turkey have told the governing body they were preparing to submit bids by the deadline of July 21.

UEFA's executive committee will whittle the candidates down to a shortlist of three in November. The host will be chosen in December 2006.

"We are delighted with the level of interest shown by our member associations in hosting the final tournament of the European football championship 2012, and wish all candidates the best in their work over the next few months," said UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson.

The list so far includes several countries which were in the running for Euro 2008, which will be held in Austria and Switzerland.

Turkey and Greece have opted for seperate bids this time around instead of a joint effort, Hungary has done the opposite in teaming up with Croatia, while Russia is trying a solo venture again.