Former president Sanz will stand in Real election

MADRID, June 5: Former president Lorenzo Sanz has said he will stand in the Real Madrid presidential election on July 2.

''Madrid need a revolution. I have never seen them in such a situation, which has been brought about by the actions of the previous board,'' local media reported Sanz as telling Spanish state television today.

''None of the other candidates have much experience of football or basketball, and if anyone has the ability to take on the job it is me. The sporting success with me is there for everyone to see.'' Sanz was president for five years in the late 1990's. Under him the club won two European Cups in 1998 and 2000, and a league title in 1997.

He was surprisingly defeated by Florentino Perez in 2000, and crushed when he stood against Perez's re-election in 2004.

Perez quit in February to be replaced by Fernando Martin whom the board ousted in favour of an election after only two months.

Real, who finished second in the Primera Liga, have not a won a major trophy for three seasons, their worst run of form in 52 years.

Four other candidates have thrown their hat into the ring.

Former director Juan Manuel Villar Mir and ex-world rally champion Carlos Sainz have announced a joint bid.

Leading Spanish businessman Juan Palacios, lawyer and economist Arturo Baldasano and dissident director Ramon Calderon are scheduled to announce their bids this week.

REUTERS