Sarina Wiegman nominated for UEFA award - and so too is controversial Spain boss

25 August 2023 , 11:07

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England head coach Sarina Wiegman has been shortlisted for UEFA's manager of the year award (Image: PA)

England’s Sarina Wiegman has been shortlisted for UEFA’s Women’s Coach of the Year award – along with controversial Spain head coach Jorge Vilda.

The shortlist, which aims to recognise the coach with the “biggest impact” during the 2022-23 season, arrives days after the monumental fallout from the Women’s World Cup final.

Vilda's Spain defeated Wiegman's England 1-0 in the tournament showdown. But the triumph has been mired in controversy following the inappropriate behaviour from former Spanish FA (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales during full-time celebrations.

Intense political pressure from within Spain, coupled with disciplinary proceedings opened by FIFA against the shamed football chief, has consequently seen Rubiales refuse to resign in a bizarre rant on Friday where he claimed he was the victim of a "social murder". While refusing to resign, he duly verbally offered Vilda a new four-year contract worth €500k-per-year.

Vilda was the subject of protests from 15 players last summer due to maltreatment and inappropriate behaviour but retained his position from Rubiales’ support, with Spain becoming world champions last weekend.

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Uefa released their three nominees for the laurel on Friday, which also includes Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giraldez who led the club to a fourth league title, the Super Cup title and the Champions League title.

Wiegman was named UEFA manager of the year for the 2021-22 season following England's historic Euro2022 triumph on home soil. Across 39 matches in charge of the Lioneesses, Wiegman's side have lost only two: a 2-0 friendly loss against Australia and the World Cup final.

Wiegman's tactical nous and management style has seen her tipped for high-profile coaching roles in the men's game, including England's men's senior team.

(FIFA via Getty Images)

UEFA also released the shortlist for the Player of the Year, which includes Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, Spain and Real Madrid full-back Olga Carmona and Australia and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr.

Bonmati claimed the Women’s World Cup golden ball award and was named the MVP in the Women’s Champions League final and Super Copa final. She will be the heavy favourite to take the crown.

The winners and final results of the UEFA women’s and men’s player and coach awards for season 2022/23 will be announced next week.

Megan Feringa