Jorge Vilda Was Fired As Spain’s World Cup-Winning Manager

The consequences from the incident involving the head of the Spanish federation Luis Rubiales has led to the dismissal of Jorge Vilda, the coach of Spain who won the Women’s World Cup.

Vilda was the lone member of the women’s national team coaching staff who did not resign in protest of Rubiales’ actions at the conclusion of the World Cup final, but the Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced on Tuesday afternoon that he had been fired.

A short while later, the RFEF announced Montse Tome had been chosen to succeed Vilda as manager of the team, making her the first woman to hold that position. The RFEF stated in a statement that Tome, Vilda’s assistant coach since 2018, had “established herself as a key player in the national team’s growth.”

15 players from Spain reportedly decided not to compete for their country’s national team last year due to concerns about Vilda’s coaching style and organizational structure.

In response to the players’ complaints, the federation, led by Rubiales, refused to budge, saying in a statement that those involved could only rejoin the national team “if they accept their error and ask for forgiveness.”

Vilda was seen cheering Rubiales when he announced on August 25th that he would not resign over his actions in Sydney, where he kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebration of the victory while standing just feet away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter, something she claims she did not consent to.

The following day, Fifa suspended Rubiales awaiting an inquiry into his behavior.

When announcing Vilda’s departure, the RFEF made no mention of any player dissatisfaction, instead praising his “professionalism and dedication throughout all these years.”

One of the first “renewal measures” under the administration of current president Pedro Rocha, who earlier on Tuesday published a letter of apology on behalf of the RFEF for Rubiales’ conduct, was described in the statement as having been made.

We appreciate Vilda’s “impeccable personal and sporting conduct” because she has played a significant role in the development of women’s football in Spain. Vilda has promoted football’s values of respect and sportsmanship throughout his long career, according to a statement from the RFEF announcing the coach’s firing.

“The RFEF wishes Jorge Vilda the best of luck in the future and expresses its gratitude for the services offered, for his professionalism and dedication over the years.

“The RFEF is left with an extraordinary sporting legacy thanks to the implementation of a recognized game model and a methodology that has been an engine of growth for all the women’s categories of the national team.”