The Scandalous Dismissal: Vilda Removed as Spain Boss in the Rubiales Controversy

Jorge Vilda: Spanish federation sacks World Cup-winning coach amid Luis Rubiales kiss row

Background

Jorge Vilda, the head coach of Spain‘s Women’s World Cup-winning team, has been sacked by the Spanish federation amid an ongoing scandal involving federation president Luis Rubiales. The scandal erupted when Rubiales was seen kissing forward Jenni Hermoso, who later stated that the kiss was not consensual. The aftermath of this incident saw most of Vilda‘s coaching staff resign and 81 players refuse to play for the national team. While Rubiales has refused to resign, he has been provisionally suspended by FIFA, the world governing body for football.

The Dismissal

The Spanish Federation, known as the RFEF, provided a statement announcing Vilda‘s dismissal. The statement did not give a specific reason for his dismissal but praised Vilda for his work and his role in the growth of women’s football in Spain. However, the RFEF has been considering Vilda‘s dismissal since last week, as he is seen as a close ally of Rubiales. This move is one of the first renewal measures announced by interim president Pedro Rocha, who is leading the RFEF while Rubiales is suspended by FIFA.

New Leadership

Montse Tome, a former midfielder who won four caps for Spain, has been named as Vilda‘s successor, making her the first woman to hold the position of head coach for the Spanish national team. Tome, who was part of Vilda‘s coaching team, will lead Spain in the upcoming Uefa Women’s Nations League qualifying matches against Sweden and Switzerland. The RFEF emphasized her extensive knowledge of the national youth team and her familiarity with the locker room.

The Kiss and its Impact

The scandal involving Rubiales kissing Hermoso, which she claims was non-consensual, has caused significant disruption in Spanish football. Prior to the incident, there was already tension within the Spanish women’s team, with 15 players submitting emails expressing concerns about their emotional state and health under Vilda‘s leadership. While Vilda maintained the support of Rubiales, reports of concerns over training methods and inadequate game preparation further strained the relationship between the coach and the players. The Spanish national sports tribunal has also opened a misconduct case against Rubiales.

Editorial

The Importance of Leadership in Women’s Football

The dismissal of Jorge Vilda as head coach of the Spanish women’s national team highlights the importance of leadership and the need for a conducive environment in women’s football. The scandal involving Rubiales and Hermoso has not only tarnished the reputation of Spanish football but has also caused division within the team. It is crucial for the federation to prioritize the well-being and professional development of the players, as they are the ones who truly drive the success of women’s football.

A Missed Opportunity for Progress

The decision to appoint Montse Tome as the first female head coach of the Spanish national team presents an opportunity for progress and equality in women’s football. However, it is unfortunate that this appointment had to come in the midst of a scandal and the dismissal of Vilda. The federation should have taken proactive steps to promote diversity and inclusion in coaching positions long before this controversy arose.

Rebuilding Trust and Unity

With the appointment of Montse Tome as head coach, the RFEF has the chance to rebuild trust and unity within the national team. It is crucial for the federation to prioritize open communication, address the concerns raised by the players, and create a positive and supportive environment for the team. Additionally, it is vital for Rubiales to reflect on his actions and take responsibility for the impact of his behavior on the players and the reputation of Spanish football.

Advice

Addressing Player Concerns

The RFEF should take the concerns raised by the players seriously and initiate a dialogue to understand their needs. This includes addressing emotional well-being, health, and training methods. Creating a supportive environment where the players feel heard and valued is essential for their development and success on the field.

Emphasizing Gender Equality in Leadership

The appointment of Montse Tome as the first female head coach is a positive step towards gender equality in coaching positions. The federation should continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion by actively seeking female candidates for coaching roles at all levels. It is crucial to provide equal opportunities for women in football and break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Rebuilding Reputation and Trust

The RFEF needs to take immediate action to rebuild the reputation of Spanish football. This includes issuing a sincere apology for Rubiales‘ behavior and showing a commitment to prevent incidents like this from happening again. Transparency, accountability, and a strong code of conduct are necessary to regain the trust of players, fans, and the global football community.