15 June 2020

World Cup winner Iker Casillas withdraws from race to become President of Spanish football

Former Spain captain Iker Casillas has withdrawn his application to become President of the country’s football association.

The 39 year-old took to Twitter on Monday to explain how the coronavirus pandemic has led him to the conclusion that he should not run for the position.

He said: "This makes the elections take a back seat."

The ex-Real Madrid shot stopper’s withdrawal means current President Luis Rubiales is set to be re-elected for another four years as no other candidates are set to run for the role.

Casillas has been working as a part of Porto’s backroom staff since retiring as a player in February.

The keeper suffered a heart attack in July last year but had initially intended to carry on playing once he was back up to full fitness.

But he made the decision earlier this year to give up the sport.

Casillas had an extremely successful playing career, winning every domestic competition on offer in Spain with Madrid as well as the Champions League.

He also won back-to-back major tournaments with Spain at Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

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