Iker Casillas Runs for Spanish Football Federation President

Iker Casillas will run for the presidency of the Spanish Football Federation, he confirmed on Monday.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper has informed his current club Porto of his decision, with retirement from playing expected.

He led Spain to their first World Cup triumph in **2010**.

Casillas is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, with **167** appearances for Spain.

He won two Euros in **2008** and **2012**, and made over **700** appearances for Real Madrid.

The election date has not yet been decided, but Casillas will go up against current incumbent Luis Rubiales for the post.

He was named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI five years in a row between **2008** and **2012**.

But last April, he suffered a heart attack during training and has not played another competitive match since.

Casillas had been linked with the RFEF presidency for several months.

We are working with the utmost respect and determination in our candidacy, added Casillas.

More than **23,000** voters are waiting for us in fair and transparent elections.

The **139** assembly members will decide.

Rubiales has been in conflict with Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, over issues including fixtures on Monday and Friday nights.

According to the rules, the elections should be held in the second half of this year after the Tokyo Olympics.

But Rubiales has requested they be brought forward, before Euro **2020**, which will run from **12 June** to **12 July**.