Spain Women’s team head coach Jorge Vilda has been dismissed from his position in the wake of Luis Rubiales kiss scandal, per BBC Sport.
They won their first Women’s World Cup last month after beating England 1-0 in the final in Sydney.
However, their success was marred by the controversy sparked by the country’s football federation president Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso.
The football official refused to resign from his post after his behaviour caused worldwide outrage. But he has been provisionally suspended by the world governing body of football FIFA.
The former Levante player also tried to suggest the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso later released a statement refuting the claim.
Jorge Vila, who initially supported Rubiales, led his side to Women’s World Cup glory, but he has now been fired as head coach just days after their success.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed the 42-year-old’s departure in a statement but didn’t give a specific reason for the decision.
They said: “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 Women’s World Cup.
“We value his impeccable personal and sporting conduct, being a key piece in the notable growth of women’s football in Spain.”
A report from the Daily Mail suggests Sonia Bermudez is expected to be placed in interim charge ahead of Spain’s matches against Sweden and Switzerland in the Women’s Nations League.
Bermudez was part of Vilda’s coaching staff at the Women’s World Cup but resigned with the other backroom staff.
Jorge Sanchez Vera is regarded as one of the top candidates to replace Vilda. However, it is understood the players want a woman to be their next coach.
