Jorge Vilda, the head coach of Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team, blasted suspended football federation president Luis Rubiales for his “inappropriate and unacceptable” kissing of teammate Jennifer Hermoso.
Vilda has not quit despite his most recent remarks, despite the resignation of his whole coaching staff in protest of Rubiales.
At the Spanish federation’s extraordinary general session on Friday, Rubiales delivered an impassioned speech in which he repeatedly vowed he would not quit and claimed to be the victim of “social assassination.” The coach was seen cheering during the speech.
Only three of those 15 chose to rejoin the Spain team, which defeated England in the Sydney final.
On Saturday night, Vilda issued the following statement: “I truly regret that the success of Spanish women’s football has been compromised by the inappropriate behavior that our top leader up to this point, Luis Rubiales, has carried out and that he himself has acknowledged.
Without a doubt, it is inappropriate and does not reflect the values and beliefs I uphold in my life, in sport in general, and in football in particular.
“I categorically reject any macho attitude; it has no place in a modern, enlightened society.
Far from what should have been a wonderful celebration of Spanish sport and women’s sport, an obviously unfavorable atmosphere has been created.
“I reaffirm my steadfast dedication to advancing a sport that serves as an example of equality and respect in our society.
Former La Liga footballer for Levante Rubiales, 46, has been provisionally banned by Fifa from any football-related activity for the first 90 days.
The Spanish government has also begun legal action in an effort to suspend him.
Assistant managers Montse Tome, Javier Lerga, and Eugenio Gonzalo Martin, physio Blanca Romero Moraleda, and goalkeeping coach Carlos Sanchez have all resigned from their positions as of late, leaving only Vilda as the women’s national team coach in charge.
All 23 World Cup champions and 81 other Spain players declared they would not compete for the team while Rubiales was in charge.
Hermoso, 33-year-old forward for Pachuca, firmly refuted Rubiales’ allegation that their kiss was consensual in a statement.
Later, on Friday evening, the RFEF issued a noteworthy statement threatening legal action against Hermoso for her “lies.”
Like Vilda, the manager of the men’s national team, Luis de la Fuente, praised Rubiales’ address on Friday before criticizing him in a statement.
