In a shocking turn of events, Jorge Vilda has been relieved of his duties as the head coach and sporting director of Spain’s women’s national football team. This decision comes after a scandal marred the recent Women’s World Cup and sent shockwaves through Spanish football.
Euro 2022 Boycott: A Prelude to Turmoil
The unraveling of Jorge Vilda’s tenure can be traced back to the tumultuous events that unfolded after Euro 2022. During this time, 15 Spanish women’s national team players refused to be called up for international duty, citing concerns related to the team environment and the detrimental impact on their emotional and mental well-being. This dramatic protest sent shockwaves across the footballing world.
However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) stood firmly by Vilda despite mounting public pressure to reconsider his position. The decision was met with skepticism and criticism as the footballing community anxiously awaited what would transpire next.
World Cup Triumph Marred by Off-Field Scandal
Spain’s performance in the Women’s World Cup last month appeared to be a triumph on the field. Even without several of their key players due to the ongoing boycott, the Spanish team managed to clinch the World Cup title. Celebrations were in order, but these moments of glory were quickly overshadowed by off-field incidents that would forever stain the event.
The central figure in this scandal was RFEF president Luis Rubiales. In the immediate aftermath of the World Cup final, Rubiales was seen kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips, which she later confirmed was not consensual. In another disturbing moment, Rubiales was captured grabbing his crotch near Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Princess Infanta Sofia.
The president initially apologized for his actions but later delivered a shocking speech at an RFEF assembly, during which he vehemently refused to resign. The scandal deepened, and Vilda was present at that assembly where Rubiales received applause. However, as events unfolded, Vilda distanced himself from his embattled colleague and eventually issued a statement condemning Rubiales’ behavior.
Resignations and Boycotts: A Unified Response
The scandal led to a wave of resignations within Vilda’s support staff, with many standing in solidarity with Jenni Hermoso. In an unprecedented move, every member of Spain’s victorious World Cup squad refused to be called up for international duty until Rubiales was dismissed from his role. The footballing community watched as Spanish football became embroiled in a crisis of leadership and ethics.
RFEF’s Poor Handling of the Crisis
The RFEF’s handling of the situation has been widely criticized throughout this ordeal. The federation’s official Twitter account infamously posted ‘Vilda In’ following the World Cup final, drawing further ire and highlighting the lack of sensitivity towards the prevailing concerns. Furthermore, the federation threatened Jenni Hermoso with legal action for her outspoken criticism of Rubiales.
Under pressure from Spanish government officials to take action against Rubiales, RFEF even requested that UEFA suspend its membership. This move would have resulted in Spanish clubs being expelled from UEFA competitions, causing severe damage to the nation’s footballing landscape.
Vilda’s Dismissal: The End of an Era
In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the RFEF announced the dismissal of Jorge Vilda. However, this statement read more like a glowing eulogy than a notice of his departure under grim circumstances.
Late in the day, interim RFEF president Pedro Rocha publicly apologized to the “world of football” for Rubiales’ “inappropriate conduct.” Rocha acknowledged that Rubiales’ actions did not represent the “values” of Spanish society, its institutions, representatives, athletes, or leaders. As part of the apology, Rocha pledged to undertake a series of actions aimed at improving the governance of the Spanish football federation and repairing the damage caused.
The dismissal of Jorge Vilda marks the end of an era in Spanish women’s football, but it also underscores the need for change and accountability within the sport’s leadership. The scandal’s repercussions will continue to be felt across Spanish football, leaving many to reflect on what could have been done differently to prevent this shocking turn of events.
Originally posted 2023-09-05 16:21:14.
