Rally champion Sainz mulls over bid for Real top job

MADRID, Mar 1 (Reuters) Former world rally champion Carlos Sainz says he is considering standing for the presidency of Real Madrid.

The 43-year-old Spaniard, who won the world championship in 1990 and 1992, has said before that he was interested in the job, but the shock resignation of Florentino Perez has led to speculation that he may bring forward plans to take charge at the club.

''I need to analyse my personal situation and that of the club before making a decision about the Real Madrid presidency,'' Sainz the told sports daily AS today. ''It is a decision that can't be taken lightly.

''All I can say is that if I do decide to seek the presidency it will not be because I'm seeking fame or newspaper coverage, I had all that during my own career. What motivates me is my passion for football and for a club I have supported throughout my life.'' Club director Fernando Martin has taken over from Perez as Real Madrid president and is expected to continue in charge until elections are held in 2008.

However, the Spanish media have reported that board members may pressure him into holding an early poll at the end of this season.

REUTERS