The fallout continues as Jorge Vilda has officially been sacked as Spain manager.
According to ESPN, Vilda was informed of the decision on Tuesday following the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) statement apologizing for the behavior of still-RFEF president Luis Rubiales. However, there was no mention of Jennifer Hermoso.
🚨 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗢 𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 | La RFEF pide disculpas al mundo del fútbol y al conjunto de la sociedad.
— RFEF (@rfef) September 5, 2023
ℹ️ Léelo aquí: https://t.co/AYEiuj35yn pic.twitter.com/Ntcpzob9BE
Vilda becomes the first to fall as Luis Rubiales remains the Spanish FA president, though he was provisionally suspended by FIFA.
Vilda’s time was all but over despite Spain winning the Women’s World Cup.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 | La RFEF destituye a Jorge Vilda como seleccionador nacional y director deportivo.
— RFEF (@rfef) September 5, 2023
El técnico ha sido clave para el notable crecimiento del fútbol femenino y deja a España como campeona del mundo y segunda en el ranking FIFA.
ℹ️ https://t.co/als2TBU5mb pic.twitter.com/u6f3TzAc6B
It was evident there was no love lost between he and his players. There was a complete divide in the dressing room and the celebrations following the final showed Vilda celebrating away from the players.
A large contingent of them already wanted him gone and decided not to play until changes were made. Though some came back and were integral to Spain’s success, a number of them decided to sit out the World Cup altogether.
Throughout the player protests, Luis Rubiales continually backed Vilda.
The World Cup glory seemed to vindicate both men.
Rubiales planting an unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso changed everything.
During the assembly where many expected Rubiales to offer his resignation, Rubiales instead went on a rant where he claimed he was a victim of “social assassination” and emphatically stating he wasn’t going to resign. Throughout the speech, Vilda was seen applauding Rubiales’ comments.
Rubiales publicly offered Vilda a four-year extension with a €500,000 salary. Such an offer wasn’t official so the Spanish FA won’t be on the hook for that contract.
His sacking was an inevitability despite the offer from Rubiales. Prior to Rubiales issuing his first apology, Vilda tried to convince Hermoso to appear with Rubiales in the apology video to try to “calm things down.” Hermoso denied but Vilda was insistent, going up to her and her family on three occasions.
In other words, he doesn’t come across unscathed from the incident.
In addition to being relieved of his duties as national team manager, Vilda is also no longer the sporting director, meaning a complete removal from the RFEF set up.