SPAIN
Jorge Vilda sacked after winning World Cup with Spain; Montse Tomé named new head coach
Vilda left his post with Spain after winning the World Cup in New Zealand and Australia last month. New manager Tomé was his assistant.
Jorge Vilda has been sacked as Spain Women’s national team coach. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced the news after informing the coach of its decision at a meeting held this morning, with Pedro Rocha, interim president, in attendance.
Vilda leaves his post after winning the World Cup in New Zealand and Australia and after months of ongoing problems with the players in the Spain squad. His departure comes before Spain’s games later this month.
Why has Vilda been sacked?
Vilda’s future with the national team had been hanging by a thread since last week. It was concluded that his spell in charge was not going to continue under any circumstances, and it was Rocha who led the talks for his departure. The public protest of the 15 Spain players, his alleged involvement in pressuring Jenni Hermoso to appear in Luis Rubiales’ apology video, his explicit support for the former president, and the stance of the 23 world champions have been the main reasons for Vilda’s departure.
His participation in the historic World Cup success will, however, always remain a milestone for Women’s football in Spain. Vilda had a contract with the Federation until 2024 and Rubiales’ intention was to extend his deal by quadrupling his current salary of around €160,000 ($170,000) per year.
Who is Montse Tomé?
The RFEF have moved swiftly to name Vilda’s replacement: Montse Tomé - Vilda’s former assistant - was selected as the new head coach of the national team and will take charge of the team’s matches in September against Sweden and Switzerland. She is the first woman in the history of the RFEF to take charge of the national team.
Born in Oviedo in northern Spain, Tomé served as Vilda’s assistant for 5 years and played for various teams during her time as a footballer, including Barcelona and Levante. Tomé's new role, according to the RFEF, “responds to the measures of regeneration announced by president Pedro Rocha”.