The Royal Federation of Spanish Football (RFEF) announced Tuesday that the Spanish women’s national soccer team coach, Jorge Vilda, has been fired.
This decision was made in response to the ongoing controversy sparked by RFEF President Luis Rubiales’ kiss of women’s team member Jenni Hermoso following their recent World Cup victory.
Spanish Women’s Soccer Coach Jorge Vilda Fired Amidst Controversy
This is one of the first renovation projects President Pedro Rocha has started, according to a statement from the RFEF.
Although the report did not specify the cause of Vilda’s dismissal, it did recognize his accomplishments during his tenure.
The RFEF thanked Jorge Vilda for his commitment and professionalism and wished him luck in his future endeavors.
In addition, the RFEF announced that assistant coach Montse Tomé would assume the position of chief coach for the women’s national team.
Tomé’s appointment is meaningful, as she is the first woman to hold this position. September 22 will mark her debut as head coach when the team encounters Sweden in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
Rubiales’s greeting of Jenni Hermoso sparked controversy following the Spanish women’s soccer team’s first-ever World Cup victory on August 20, when they defeated England 1-0 in Sydney, Australia.
Hermoso alleged that Rubiales’ kiss, which was documented during the post-match medal ceremony, was not consensual.
As a result of the extensive backlash and criticism, FIFA suspended Rubiales pending an investigation.
Rubiales’s close ally Jorge Vilda publicly supported him in the aftermath of the controversial incident, applauding his refusal to resign.
Rubiales had also declared a four-year contract extension with a €500,000 ($536,000) annual salary for Vilda. While Vilda was critical of the kiss, she did not demand Rubiales’ resignation.
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Previous Controversies and Resignations
The Royal Federation of Spanish Football (RFEF) announced on Tuesday that the Spanish women’s national soccer team coach, Jorge Vilda, has been fired.
However, Vilda had encountered previous controversy within the team. Last year, 15 women’s national team players demanded Vilda’s resignation due to allegations of inappropriate coaching methods and concerns for player privacy and well-being. At that moment, the RFEF was on Vilda’s side.
Several players and staff members of the Spanish national team resigned over the weekend in support of Jenni Hermoso.
Following Rubiales’ suspension, the new board of regional presidents under Pedro Rocha announced the immediate start of additional disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales in addition to FIFA’s suspension.
The RFEF issued a statement in which it offered its sincere apologies to numerous people and organizations, including the players and supporters of the Spanish National Team all over the world.
In addition, it condemned Rubiales’ behavior as intolerable and damaging to Spanish football, sport, society, and values, emphasizing the significance of tolerance and civility in Spanish culture.
The statement concluded by acknowledging the immense damage done to Spanish football and sports in general and advocating for a return to the values that football and sports represent in Spain.
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