Spanish FA ‘studying options' to sack coach Vilda despite Rubiales offer
The days of Jorge Vilda ’s rein as Spain women’s national team head coach are numbered with the Spanish football federation (RFEF) studying how to remove the divisive boss from his position.
Following Monday’s meeting of the Commission of Territorial Presidents of the RFEF, the board of directors, who called on the immediate resignation of disgraced FA president Luis Rubiales, are now looking at the contractual and legal logistics of removing Vilda from his post.
News of Vilda’s imminent sacking arrives just days after the 42-year-old was offered a lucrative new four-year deal to remain at the helm of the national team by the suspended Rubiales. According to reports, Vilda’s position at the helm is viewed as untenable from those within the organisation.
However, the RFEF’s territorial chiefs have no jurisdiction over this calibre of decision-making. Rather, any removal of Vilda depends exclusively on the RFEF’s board of directors, now chaired by Pedro Rocha in the wake of Rubiales’ provisional suspension by FIFA.
In the statement released on Monday, the RFEF do not specifically refer to Vilda, though they do pledge to “carry out a deep and imminent organic restructuring in strategic positions”.
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Internal talks suggest that Vilda is set to be depart, along with lawyer Tomás González Cueto (external lawyer), Miguel García Caba of the Integrity Department and general secretary Andreu Camps who previously threatened to have Spain removed from UEFA in defence of Rubiales.
Spain national team manager Jorge Vilda was spotted appearing to touch the breast of a female member of staff during the Women's World Cup final between England and SpainVilda has been ensnared in scandal for over a year after the allegations and protests of 15 senior players, who accused the manager of maltreatment, inappropriate behaviour and improper management.
However, when the protesting players approached Rubiales with their grievances, the president threw his allegiance behind Vilda and called on the players to desist or defer from national team duty entirely.
Controversy continued to surround Vilda during Spain's triumphant Women's World Cup campaign. The manager appeared to be routinely isolated in post-match celebrations, while dismissing questions during press conferences regarding the dressing room atmosphere.
When Rubiales was queried about his crude post-match celebrations after the Women’s World Cup–in which he was seen wildly grabbing his crotch and gesticulating towards the pitch–Rubiales claimed his celebrations were aimed at Vilda.
The national team manager - who appeared to touch the breast of a female staff member following Olga Carmona's first-half goal against England in the final - was one of many high-profile FA officials seen applauding Rubiales during his sensational press conference last Friday in which he vociferously rejected calls for his resignation fuelled by “faux feminism”.
Following the mass walkout of his entire coaching staff amid a spiralling saga, Vilda attempted to distance himself from Rubiales. The coach went as far as to condemn the actions of Rubiales in a statement, but refrained from dismissing himself from his position.
“There is no doubt that it is unacceptable and does not reflect at all the principles and values that I defend in my life, in sport in general and in football in particular,” he wrote. “I condemn without palliatives any macho attitude, far from an advanced and developed society.”
Spain begin their inaugural Women's Nations League campaign next month with matches against Sweden and Switzerland.
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