In a seismic shake-up for Spanish women’s football, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has made the decision to part ways with their women’s coach, Jorge Vilda, amidst a swirl of controversy linked to his close alliance with RFEF president Luis Rubiales and a recent, highly-publicized kissing incident.
According to a report by Daily Mail Sport, Sanchez Vera, manager of Levante, emerges as a prominent figure among the leading candidates to potentially succeed Vilda in this crucial role.
Jorge Vilda had steered the Spain women’s team since 2015, most recently guiding them to a triumphant victory in the Women’s World Cup final. However, his coaching techniques and personal conduct had come under scrutiny, largely due to his strong association with Rubiales, which had elicited criticism from various quarters.
Vilda had faced particular scrutiny for publicly applauding Rubiales after the latter delivered a resolute speech asserting his refusal to step down from his position. Although Vilda later expressed disapproval of Rubiales’s actions, the incident had already cast shadows over his leadership.
Last month, RFEF president Luis Rubiales had publicly lauded Vilda’s accomplishments and had even offered to secure him a new four-year contract as a testament to his pivotal contributions to the national team.
However, Rubiales himself has been ensnared in a maelstrom of troubles, with FIFA imposing a provisional suspension upon him following a widely-publicized incident in which he kissed Spain player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth immediately after the Women’s World Cup final. Furthermore, Rubiales has been confronted with allegations of sexual abuse, allegations he has vehemently denied.
The RFEF has asserted that the dismissal of Jorge Vilda signifies the beginning of a transformation within the organization in response to the ongoing Rubiales scandal. The regional presidents’ committee of the RFEF has echoed this sentiment by advocating for a substantial and immediate overhaul of key positions within the federation.
In an official statement, the RFEF has expressed profound regret for the reputational damage wrought by these developments and has underscored the imperative for genuine apologies and a steadfast commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur.
For Spain’s women’s football team, Vilda’s removal presents a significant challenge, especially as they gear up for the upcoming European Championship. The team is grappling with the departure of several key players who resigned in protest against Rubiales, compounding the already complex situation they find themselves in.
