Carlos Herrera signals candidacy for the RFEF presidency and outlines a plan to reform Spanish football
The journalist Carlos Herrera has publicly affirmed his intention to run for president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in the elections scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. He stated clearly that he would mount a candidate bid and pursue a program that resonates with the wishes of many Spanish athletes, football professionals, fans, and anyone who understands what the sport means to the country.
In a video released by Marca, Herrera expressed strong enthusiasm for his candidacy. He emphasized that he is fully committed to the process and to addressing the concerns of supporters and participants across the sport. Although he named journalists Roberto Gómez and José María Quevedo as interlocutors during the video, Herrera noted that his team would be finalized by January while he prepares to work toward his goals.
Herrera spoke about a desire to reintroduce football to society and to break down any perceived elitism that has separated the sport from ordinary life. He argued for a more inclusive model in which football remains accessible to communities and families, with a focus on creating opportunities for children to play and learn the game. He clarified that when he mentions children, he means boys and girls alike.
A Cadena Cope journalist pointed out that candidates require endorsements to participate in the elections. Herrera affirmed his firm, serious intent to enter the race if he meets the stated conditions and is prepared to pursue the necessary support.
Under the current regulatory framework for 2024, presidential hopefuls in federations must secure support from at least 15 percent of the 140 football council members. An official call for endorsements was published, with a deadline set for November 3, ahead of publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE).
The Supreme Sports Council (CSD) gave authorization for the RFEF elections to proceed in the first quarter of the coming year. This follows the governance arrangement established after 2013, when the federation faced administrative changes and a resignation process that led to a temporary leadership transition, now led by the president of the Extremadura regional federation’s federation body.
To date, Herrera has been the only candidate to publicly declare the intention to run for the federation’s presidency. Several other figures were discussed as potential contenders, including a former referee, a former Barcelona official and ex Mallorca president, a former Santander bank executive, and various regional federation presidents. Names such as Salvador Gomar, Pablo Lozano, Paco Díez, and Pedro Rocha were considered in the ongoing discussions, though no definitive step had been taken by them at that time.
Luis Rubiales resigned on September 10 after a National Court investigation opened, following events at the World Cup final. He had led the RFEF since FIFA temporarily suspended him at the end of August amid allegations related to conduct at the medal ceremony, which involved coercion and comments toward actress Jenni Hermoso. The federation has since entered a period of transition as it prepares for renewed leadership and a pathway toward future successes in Spanish football.