Jorge Vilda has been sacked as Spain’s women football coach, just two weeks after lifting the World Cup, following the infamous “kiss-gate” scandal between president Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso.
The incident received a major public outburst and as a consequence Vilda’s coaching staff left the team and 81 players refused to play until Rubiales received a suspension.
BREAKING: The Spanish Football Federation have announced that they have sacked women's team manager, Jorge Vilda. pic.twitter.com/7efayTr9Zu
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 5, 2023
The 46-year-old refused to resign, forcing FIFA to step in on the matter, giving him provisional ban from football.
Vilda has been seen as a close friend to Rubiales and the speculations were he will quickly follow suit, even tough the Spanish federation didn’t specify the reasons behind the decision.
Vilda, who had been in charge of the national team since 2015, survived a player ‘revolt’ in September 2022, when the RFEF released a statement revealing 15 players had submitted identical emails saying they would not play for Vilda unless “significant” concerns over their “emotional state” and “health” were addressed.
Vilda led Spain in 108 matches, winning 75 and seeing his team reach the European Championship 1/4 finals both in 2017 and 2022.