Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Ángel María Villar will bid to become the next UEFA president, according to the PA. Villar "has long been touted" as a potential successor to Michel Platini and the 66-year-old "has now confirmed he will be putting himself forward for election." Candidates "had to declare their intention to stand by July 20," with the final vote to elect the next UEFA president taking place on Sept. 14, in Athens. Bilbao, Spain-born Villar, a former Athletic Bilbao and Spain midfielder, became RFEF president in '88 and became a FIFA exec member in '98. He has been a UEFA VP since '00 (PA, 7/19). INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL's Paul Nicholson reported Villar has "come under renewed attack at home" from RFEF presidential rival Jorge Pérez, who said that Villar "has woven a system of patronage and fear into Spanish football." Villar "already faces a lawsuit" on charges of electoral manipulation and breaking Spanish sports law brought by another candidate for the federation presidency, Miguel Ángel Galán. In an interview with Madrid-based newspaper AS, Pérez "is unequivocal" in his statements that the electoral system has been changed (the voting Assembly has been reduced in number from 180 to 140) "in a way that advantages Villar" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 7/19).
