MADRID, Jan 16 (Reuters) - An emotional Ramon Calderon confirmed media reports that he had resigned as president of Spanish champions Real Madrid in a news conference at the Bernabeu on Friday.
Calderon, who was elected to the post in 2006, had been under pressure to go since Marca newspaper published allegations earlier this week of irregularities at the club's general assembly last month.
"Against the recommendations of my board I have decided to step down from the presidency," Calderon said.
"I have committed errors but not irregularities. I go with my head held high."
The 57-year-old lawyer will be replaced by Vicente Boluda, who takes charge until a presidential election can be held in the close season.
With tears in his eyes and struggling to hold his emotions in check, Calderon read from a pre-prepared speech.
"I am not a coward and have nothing to hide," he said. "I hope that by offering up my head my going will help placate the wider Real Madrid public.
"They have been convulsed by daily stories put together and sent out from the media that show absolute contempt for all known moral codes."
He defended his record at the helm which included two consecutive league titles, and two trophies with the basketball section, and reiterated that he knew nothing about the events that had occurred at last month's assembly.
The allegations in Marca said unauthorised persons had gained access to the club's assembly on Dec. 7 and their presence had helped to swing votes on key issues in favour of the management.
At a news conference on Wednesday, Calderon said two Real officials involved in organising the assembly had resigned and he would probably not stand for re-election when his four-year mandate ended in 2010.
Spanish media reported on Friday that three club delegates who attended the general assembly had started legal proceedings to have the agreements passed at the event annulled in the light of recent developments.
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