07 September 2023 , 06:28
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Jorge Vilda has vowed to contest his sacking as the ex-Spanish women's coach maintains his dismissal was "unfair".
Vilda led the country to their first ever triumph in the Women's World Cup, beating England in the final in Sydney, but found himself engulfed in the controversy that followed Luis Rubiales kissing Jeni Hermoso with Vilda a close ally of the heavily criticised RFEF president.
The former boss, who won 75 of his 108 games in charge, believes he was sacked prematurely with an agreement in place with Rubiales from him to stay on for another five years and he's ready to fight the recent decision with the assistance of his lawyers.
He told Relevo: "I consider myself a coach until 2028. This is what my lawyers tell me and even more so when there was already a prior and consensual agreement in the Assembly. In the Assembly it is said publicly, but previously that contract had been perfected with a four-year renewal."
The 42-year-old also made it clear to Cadena SER : "In sporting terms, I am going to accept all the criticisms, but on a personal level I think it has been unfair. It has been a special year. Nothing has ever been said directly but indirectly things have been said that do not suit me. Things have been said that are not true."
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Vilda found himself in hot water when he was seen applauding Rubiales at the RFEF's extraordinary general assembly last month when he made it clear he would not be resigning and wanted to offer Vilda a new deal.
Jorge Vilda was a known ally of Luis RubialesRubiales has since been provisionally suspended by FIFA with Pedro Rocha appointed interim president and it was he who made it known to Vilda that he would be dismissed as he explained his justification, albeit the former Spain boss didn't agree with it.
He said: "I am as well as can be after being fired after being world champion 10 days ago. I have been fired, I think, unjustly. It was a brief meeting with Pedro Rocha and the vice president of Equality. The explanation given is that there have been 'structural changes'. I have a clear conscience. I have given 100% and I don't understand it, I didn't see my termination as deserved."
Former midfielder Tome is set to become the new Spain boss, becoming the first woman to hold the position, and has the approval of Vilda, who had her on the coaching staff. "Montse Tome has well deserved this, I have congratulated her. I think she has the ability to do very well. She was chosen by me for the coaching staff," he said.