Jorge Vilda sacked as Spain Women head coach over Luis Rubiales kissing scandal (1 Viewer)

Jorge Vilda has been dismissed from his role as the head coach of Spain Women's national team, as confirmed by the country's football federation.

The 42-year-old had previously led his nation to their historic first-ever World Cup victory at the recently concluded 2023 tournament, where La Roja triumphed with a 1-0 victory over England in the final.

However, Spain's championship glory was marred by two off-field controversies. In late 2022, Vilda faced a player revolt amid alleged concerns regarding his coaching methods and player treatment. Despite the accusations, the former Under-17s and Under-19s head coach chose not to step down from his position. As a result, 12 of the 15 players who had initially boycotted national team duty in protest did not return to participate in the World Cup.

During the celebrations for La Roja's victory, RFEF president Luis Rubiales drew global attention by kissing striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips, an action that Hermoso claimed was non-consensual.

In contrast, Rubiales adamantly asserted that Hermoso had consented to the kiss and resisted calls to resign from his position. Vilda expressed his support for Rubiales during an intense General Assembly speech. However, one day before publicly condemning the president's actions, Vilda's entire coaching staff resigned in protest against Rubiales. Furthermore, 81 women's players announced their intention to boycott matches until Rubiales relinquished his role.

The Spanish Football Federation is currently under the interim leadership of Pedro Rocha, who has expressed deep embarrassment over Rubiales's behavior. Rocha has also terminated Vilda's coaching duties following a highly controversial tenure.

Despite the events of the past year, the RFEF acknowledged Vilda's "impeccable personal and sporting conduct" in a statement paying tribute to his contributions.

"The Royal Spanish Football Federation, in one of the first renewal measures announced by President Pedro Rocha, has decided to part ways with Jorge Vilda's services as the sports director and head coach of the women's national team.

"The RFEF appreciates his work leading the national team and his role as the highest sports authority for the women's teams, as well as the successes achieved during his tenure, culminating in the recent World Cup victory.
"We highly value his impeccable personal and sporting conduct, as he has been a key figure in the significant growth of women's football in Spain. Throughout his extensive tenure, Vilda has been a promoter of respect and sportsmanship values in football.

"The RFEF wants to express its gratitude to Jorge Vilda for his services, professionalism, and dedication over all these years, wishing him the best success in the future. The RFEF inherits an extraordinary sporting legacy thanks to the implementation of a recognized playing style and a methodology that has driven growth for all women's national team categories."

Vilda leaves his position with an impressive record of 75 victories out of 108 matches as the head coach of the Spanish national team. His successor is Montserrat Tome, a former Barcelona Femeni midfielder and a four-time Spanish international.