Iker Casillas announces he will run for President of Spanish Football Federation

Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas announces he'll run for President of Spanish Football Federation.

The former Spain captain wrote on his Twitter: "Yes, I will stand for the presidency of the Spanish FA when elections are called. Together we will put our federation at the top alongside the best football in the world: Spanish football."

"I've informed the president of my club FC Porto of the decision and I want to express my deepest gratitude."

"We're working on our candidacy with the highest respect. More than 23,000 voters await us in fair & transparent elections as 139 assembly members will make the key decision."

"Thanks for all the support and good wishes. Let's go for it."

Casillas has not yet retired from playing and is at FC Porto, but has not featured for the club since suffering a heart attack in May 2019.

The former Spain national team captain has spent the past month assessing the possible support he would receive, and is aware that the move from playing to sports administration would come quickly.

Casillas would have the backing of La Liga president Javier Tebas -- who has been a vehement critic of Rubiales since his election -- as well as the president of the largest players' union, the Association of Spanish Footballers, David Aganzo, although their support will be discreet initially in case there is any change of plans.

Rubiales has been a divisive figure in his near two-year spell in charge of the Spanish Football Federation, having improved transparency at the organisation while also being involved in a number of controversial decisions.

Casillas would need to be endorsed by at least 15 percent of the assembly, which is made up of 140 members, to run for president.

When the vote takes place, Casillas would need a simple majority -- one more vote than Rubiales -- in the event there are only two candidates. From the announcement of the elections taking place until the vote itself, the process takes around 80 days.