Legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has quit the race to become the next president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Casillas announced his decision on social media on Monday.
According to Casillas, who announced his bid back in February, the coronavirus pandemic prompted him to rethink his decision. He eventually opted to back out, clearing the path for current RFEF president Luis Rubiales to be re-elected in August.
Despite skipping these elections, Casillas still intends to run on the next elections, which will take place two years from now.
“I wanted a fair, transparent, and truly participatory electoral process, looking for the best for Spanish football,” said Casillas in a statement posted on Twitter. “I hope that in the next elections it can happen with me or with other candidates.”
Iker Casillas is considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the history of soccer and is among the most decorated players in the Spanish national team history. He represented his country 167 times between 2000 and 2016, while also captaining the team for almost eight years.
As a captain, Casillas led Spain to the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2010, and UEFA European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012.
