OFFICIAL: Iker Casillas Confirms Rumors Saying He Would Run For RFEF President

Last week, Matt Wiltse reported that it was rumored that Iker Casillas was going to run for the Spanish Football Federation’s presidency. This week, it has been made official: Iker Casillas has chosen to run against the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)’s current president, Luis Rubiales when elections are held this year.

The 38-year-old has been playing professionally on some level since he joined Real Madrid’s youth side in 1990 at 9 years old. He has won a World Cup with Spain, multiple titles with Real Madrid, and is also the player with the second most appearances in Real Madrid history at 725. In comparison, Rubiales only had 53 appearances in his underwhelming career as a professional football player.

In Casillas’ message on Twitter, he expressed his gratitude to his current team, FC Porto, where he has played since his departure from Real Madrid. Assuming he is elected, this would mean that Casillas would officially retire from club football at the end of the season.

While Casillas has not yet put forth his platform, it is worth noting that Rubiales’ presidency has been plagued with criticism from firing Julen Lopetegui shortly before the 2018 World Cup, to the handling of MediaPro and the television contracts of Liga Iberdrola. He will also be standing trial this year for an alleged 2017 physical assault on an architect in his Valencia home.

As it stands, the only two running in the election are the incumbent and Casillas. It is unclear if anyone else will join. Elections can be held as soon as May and would be voted on in secret by the 139 members of the assembly. While no definitive limitations on terms are readily available, it looks like terms can run anywhere from one year to Angel Maria Villar’s 19-year presidency, with elections/re-elections occurring intermittently.