Spain's World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda sacked amid Rubiales kiss scandal

Jorge Vilda, the coach who took the Spanish Women's team to their first World Cup title ever has been sacked by the Spanish Football Federation following the Luis Rubiales kiss scandal.

The controversial decision to sack Jorge Vilda has left many football fans starstruck following the team's remarkable performance in the World Cup.

Spain's win at Sydney was overshadowed by the country's football federation president, Luis Rubiales, who kissed Jenni Hermoso without consent.

The RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) has been in complete turmoil ever since the female team claimed their first World Cup star. Much of Vilda's coaching staff resigned, leaving him in a limbo of uncertainty.

After Rubiales announced he would not leave the RFEF, the federation took issues into its own hands. Exterior pressure from the Spanish government alongside international media has pushed Vilda off the scene.

Vilda was considered a close ally of Rubiales following his 'non-departure' speech. Rubiales insisted he would offer Vilda a new deal following his World Cup success.

The RFEF has been exploring whether it could sack the Spanish head coach. This would be a step in the RFEF's "renewal measures" announced by Pedro Rocha, the current interim president.

"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...We value his impeccable personal and sporting conduct, being a key piece in the notable growth of women's football in Spain."

Vilda has been in charge of the Spanish female national team since 2015, enduring player mutinies and internal power struggles. 'Las 15' as they are often referred to by the media, asked for Vilda's resignation back in 2022.

After 108 matches, a European Championship quarter-final, and a World Cup under his belt, Vilda has been shown the door. Leaving the Spanish female team in second place in the FIFA women's rankings.

In a lengthy statement released by Pedro Rocha, the RFEF condemned Rubiales and his legacy at the federation. "The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society, and its values have been enormous".

There seems to be a universal agreement surrounding Rubiales and his inappropriate conduct, however, what did Vilda do? A sad ending to one of Spain's most important World Cup titles.

Jorge Vilda has been replaced by Montse Tomé, who was part of Vilda's coaching staff during the World Cup.