Real Madrid voters go to polls to elect new president

MADRID, July 2 (Reuters) Real Madrid members go to the polls today to elect a new president for the nine-times European champions.

Voters will only be allowed to cast their ballot in person at the Bernabeu stadium after a judge suspended the postal vote on Friday.

Five candidates are standing: construction magnate Juan Miguel Villar Mir, businessman Juan Palacios, former president Lorenzo Sanz and lawyers Ramon Calderon and Arturo Baldasano.

In a bid to bolster their campaigns candidates have announced various agreements with coaches and players that they say they will realise once elected.

Among those named as potential future coaches are Sven-Goran Eriksson, Fabio Capello and Arsene Wenger, along with players such as Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Dutch winger Arjen Robben and Brazilian midfielder Kaka.

The winner will be expected to turn round Real's sporting fortunes after their worst run of form in 52 years and determine the future direction of the biggest-earning club in world football.

A result is expected late today.

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