Spain’s controversial women’s national soccer and world champions coach Jorge Vilda has been relieved of his duties in the wake of the Rubiales scandal. This is reported unanimously by various Spanish media. The 42-year-old had worked for the association since 2015.
The RFEF had previously apologized for the behavior of association boss Luis Rubiales, who kissed the player Jennifer Hermoso against her will on the mouth at the award ceremony after the World Cup triumph against European champions England. It seems possible that the head of the association will also have to go sooner or later.
Most of Vilda’s coaching staff have already resigned and the world champions are also on strike. Vilda and Rubiales have been considered close allies since 15 players went on strike against Vilda in September 2022 to protest the manager’s methods.
Vilda had recently criticized Rubiales’ behavior, but applauded Rubiales’ incendiary speech at an extraordinary general assembly of the RFEF. The association president had also refused a resignation demanded by large parts of Spanish politics.
Association announces series of measures
Rubiales had triggered worldwide outrage with his kiss. World governing body FIFA temporarily suspended him for 90 days. Eleven employees had resigned from the functional teams of the women’s national teams, including Vilda’s assistants.
Before the separation from Vilda, the association said that the RFEF wanted to take a number of measures in the coming days “to improve the management of the association and repair the damage caused as much as possible,” he said.