Luis Rubiales Controversy: Shocking Unfair Sacking of Jorge Vilda, Former Spain Women's Head Coach
Jorge Vilda, former Spain Women's head coach, expresses disappointment over his unfair sacking Despite leading Spain to victory in the World Cup final, his support for suspended Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales drew criticism The appointment of Tome as his replacement raises concerns about player response
Jorge Vilda has labeled his dismissal as the head coach of Spain Women's team, which came just weeks after their World Cup victory, as "unjust". Vilda, who guided Spain to a 1-0 triumph over England in the final on August 20, was relieved of his duties by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Tuesday. Montse Tome has been appointed as his replacement.
Vilda expressed his departure amidst the ongoing repercussions from the actions of suspended RFEF president Luis Rubiales during the celebratory events following Spain's victory in Sydney. In an interview with Cadena SER, Vilda stated, "After being a world champion just 10 days ago, I am as good as one can be despite being unjustly fired."
Image:
Jorge Vilda, who successfully guided Spain to their inaugural Women's World Cup victory on August 20, has recently been dismissed.
This year has been particularly memorable for me, as I completed my Master's degree. Throughout this journey, various indirect remarks have been made that have left me feeling unsettled. Moreover, certain untrue statements have been uttered.
Regarding my dismissal, I would like to share that I had a short meeting with Pedro Rocha, alongside the vice president of Equality. The reason provided was the implementation of 'structural changes'.
Despite all my accomplishments and my unwavering dedication, I am baffled by my sudden dismissal. I strongly believed that I did not deserve this outcome, especially considering the fact that all 11 of my fellow colleagues in the background resigned in protest due to the ongoing controversy surrounding Rubiales, who was seen kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips.
Vilda faced criticism for showing support for Rubiales' exceptional remarks in a subsequent press conference. During the conference, the RFEF president staunchly refused to step down and criticized those he deemed "fake feminists." As a result of this speech, all 23 members of Spain's World Cup team declared their unavailability for selection as long as Rubiales continued in his position.
During the speech, Rubiales acknowledged Vilda as the top coach in women's football and guaranteed him a new €500,000 annual contract for four years. Vilda later issued a statement criticizing Rubiales, though he did not explicitly demand his resignation or dismissal.
When asked about his applause for Rubiales, Vilda stated that he would never applaud anything sexist. Attending the press conference, he initially expected a resignation but was pleasantly surprised when the president acknowledged and commended his work by announcing his renewal. Vilda also expressed his admiration for Rubiales' management of women's football, particularly in terms of the budget which has increased fourfold.
"Also, when 150 people around you are applauding, it is very difficult to be the only one who isn't."
Jorge Vilda had the support of Luis Rubiales during the strike undertaken by 15 Spanish players last year. However, he has faced consequences for his involvement in the actions pertaining to the suspended president during the Women's World Cup final.
The 42-year-old Spain head coach, Vilda, had faced controversy due to various issues including the management of injuries, the locker room atmosphere, team selection, and training sessions. In September, 15 players sent a letter to the RFEF stating their intention to boycott the team unless Vilda was sacked. Rubiales, however, supported Vilda and warned the rebellious players that they could face bans of up to five years. Despite this, three of the players who signed the letter, Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmati, and Mariona Caldentey, were later included in Vilda's World Cup squad.
During a regional FA leaders' meeting on August 28 with interim RFEF president Rocha, the tide shifted against him. This was prompted by Rubiales' suspension by FIFA, resulting in calls to remove Vilda as part of a restructuring at the federation's top level. The restructuring is currently underway, with Tome, who previously served as Vilda's assistant, becoming Spain's first female head coach.
Image:
Assistant Montse Tome has been named as Jorge Vilda's immediate successor by the RFEF
'There are questions as to how players will respond to Tome's appointment'
Spanish football expert Semra Hunter:"It's a significant step forward to have a woman in this position for the first time. However, those who have a deep understanding of the players, including Montse Tome herself, express serious reservations about her suitability for the role.
Her lack of experience as a first-team head coach and her status as Vilda's assistant since 2018 cast doubt on her ability to bring fresh ideas and perspectives. While she did resign along with 11 others after Rubiales delivered his speech, she still represents a continuation of the existing philosophy and methodology."
There are significant uncertainties surrounding how the players will respond to this situation as they have not made any statements yet.
According to certain Spanish media outlets, the players generally had a good relationship with her in recent years. However, others argue that this may not be the case, as she strongly supported Vilda when the controversy arose a year ago, involving the 15 players who sent an email to the federation. It is evident that divisions and tensions still persist among many of these players.
The rise and fall of Vilda: A timeline
Yes, it's great to have a woman take up the role, but this would have been an excellent opportunity to find the right person, regardless of gender, someone who was qualified and had the necessary credentials to lead the current best women's team in the world. It will be fascinating to see what the response is.The rise and fall of Vilda: A timeline
July 2015: Assumes the position of Spain head coach succeeding Ignacio Quereda, who was dismissed due to underperformance during the 2015 Women's World Cup.September 2018: Ranked eighth at the FIFA Best Awards in the category of best women's coach for successfully guiding Spain's national team to qualify for their second-ever World Cup and leading the U19s to triumph in the Euros.
June 2019: Historic achievement as Spain's national team qualifies from the group stage of the World Cup for the first time, although they faced defeat in the round of 16 against the eventual champions, USA.
In September 2022, 15 players from Spain expressed their discontent with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) by writing a letter. They strongly criticized the performance of coach Vilda during Euro 2022 and called for his dismissal. Furthermore, they refused to represent their country as long as he retained his position. Reacting to this, RFEF president Luis Rubiales publicly supported the manager and delivered a stern warning to the rebellious players, threatening them with a five-year ban from future national team selections.
Moving forward to May 2023, despite their previous opposition, three of the 15 players who had initially voiced their dissatisfaction, namely Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, and Ona Batlle, have been included in Vilda's squad for the upcoming World Cup.
On August 20, 2023, Vilda guides Spain to their first major trophy by triumphing over England in the World Cup final in Sydney. However, his name is met with boos when announced in the stadium.
Moving forward to August 25, 2023, Vilda is seen alongside the men's manager, Luis de la Fuente, in the front row of a press conference. During the conference, Rubiales, the RFEF president, vehemently refuses to step down and criticizes those who have shown affection towards Spain forward Jenni Hermoso. Vilda is captured applauding Rubiales' remarks. Notably, Rubiales publicly assures Vilda of a new and improved contract during his speech.
On August 26, 2023, the coaching staff for Spain's women's team resigned together, except for manager Vilda. In a statement to the Spanish press, Vilda criticizes Rubiales' behavior, but does not explicitly demand his resignation. Following this, the entire World Cup-winning squad of Spain announces their refusal to play for the national team until Rubiales steps down.
Two days later, on August 28, 2023, FIFA suspends Rubiales for 90 days, leading regional leaders of Spanish football to insist on his resignation. Reports also emerge that the RFEF has requested UEFA to consider suspending Spanish teams from international competitions.
September 5, 2023: Interim president Pedro Rocha issues a statement on behalf of the RFEF, expressing apologies for the significant harm resulting from Rubiales' actions, and assures the implementation of an organizational restructuring plan.
September 5, 2023: RFEF releases a statement announcing the termination of Vilda's employment, while commending his instrumental contribution to the progress of Spain's women's teams.
