Jorge Vilda, the former coach and sporting director of the Spain women's national football team, has been sacked less than a month after winning the World Cup. The decision comes as part of a series of measures aimed at renewing women's football, following a crisis that erupted after the World Cup final.
Vilda faced criticism for applauding the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, during a speech in which Rubiales refused to resign. This controversy was related to an incident during the medal ceremony at the World Cup final when Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips. Vilda had publicly offered Vilda a new contract with a significant salary increase, but their relationship soured following the controversy.
Furthermore, 81 players, including all 23 members of the World Cup-winning squad, announced that they would not play for the national team while the "current administrators" remained in place. Eleven members of the coaching staff also resigned, leading to a challenging situation for the national team.
Spain is set to name its squad for upcoming games that will determine whether the world champions qualify for the Olympics in Paris next summer. Vilda's sacking was seen as a necessary step to address the crisis within the women's national team.
Montse Tome, Vilda's former assistant, has been appointed as his replacement. Tome, who initially seemed to applaud Rubiales' speech but later called for the "restructuring and professionalization" of the national team, will lead the team going forward.