Spain Women’s coach fired amid Luis Rubiales kiss fallout

• Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda has been fired amid the ongoing Luis Rubiales kiss scandal
• Montse Tome has been named as Vilda’s successor and is the first woman to hold the position

Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda has been fired amid the ongoing Luis Rubiales kiss scandal. In a statement released by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), no specific reason was given for Vilda’s dismissal.

However, his sacking is relating to the scandal involving the conduct of suspended football federation president Luis Rubiales. Vilda is considered a close ally of Rubiales and the RFEF has been exploring whether it could sack the 42-year-old for the past one week.

Jorge Vilda has been sacked by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Photo/ Sky Sports.

“The RFEF appreciates [Vilda’s] work at the head of the national team and in his functions as the head of sports for the women’s teams, as well as the successes achieved during his time crowned with the recent achievement of the World Cup. We value his impeccable personal and sporting conduct, being a key piece in the notable growth of women’s football in Spain.” The RFEF’s released statement reads.

Jorge Vilda has been fired after leading the national team for eight years. He took the role in 2015 and oversaw 108 matches, leading the team to 75 wins. His guidance was key as Spain reached the European Championship quarter-finals in 2017 and 2022.

Vilda leaves office after guiding Spain to their recent triumph at the Women’s World Cup for the first time in history. The World Cup winners are currently ranked second in the FIFA women’s world rankings, behind European giants Sweden.

“The RFEF would like to express its gratitude to Jorge Vilda for the services provided, for his professionalism and dedication during all these years, wishing him the best successes in the future.” The RFEF’s statement added. 

Montse Tome has been named as Vilda’s successor. The 41-year-old former footballer, who was part of Vilda’s coaching staff, is the first woman to hold the position. She will lead Spain into UEFA Women’s Nations League qualifiers later this year. She will be in charge of Spain’s fixtures against Sweden and Switzerland on 22 and 26 September.

“She knows the locker room very well and also has extensive knowledge of the excellent national youth team,” The RFEF praised Montse Tome following her promotion.

Spain’s recent win of the World Cup was overshadowed by Luis Rubiales controversial kiss. Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso, and the scandal has spiralled into a national debate over women’s rights and sexist behaviour.

Jorge Vilda was fired amid Luis Rubiales kiss fallout. Photo/ ESPN.

Most of Jorge Vilda’s coaching staff resigned after the incident and a reported 81 players refused to play for the national team. Despite all that, Rubiales has refused to resign. The 46-year-old repeatedly insisted he would not resign and said he would offer Vilda a new deal during RFEF’s extraordinary general assembly in August. Luis Rubiales has since been suspended by football world’s governing body, FIFA.