Of those 15, just three ended their exile and were in the squad as Spain beat England in the World Cup final in Sydney last month. ‘Las 15’ - as the players became known - denied claims they had asked for Vilda, who has always had the support of Rubiales, to be sacked, but tension followed amid reports of concerns over training methods and inadequate game preparation. Vilda, who had been in charge of the national team since 2015, survived a player ‘revolt’ in September 2022, when the RFEF released a statement revealing 15 players had submitted identical emails saying they would not play for Vilda unless “significant” concerns over their “emotional state” and “health” were addressed. The RFEF called the move “one of the first renewal measures” announced by Rocha. However, the RFEF has been exploring whether it could sack Vilda - considered a close ally of Rubiales - since last week. In a statement, the RFEF did not give a specific reason for Vilda’s dismissal, saying he had been “a promoter of the values of respect and sportsmanship in football”. Rubiales has refused to resign but has been provisionally suspended by Fifa, football’s world governing body, with Pedro Rocha appointed interim president. Most of Vilda’s coaching staff resigned and 81 players refused to play for Spain in the aftermath. Spain beat England in the World Cup final on August 20 but the win was overshadowed by Rubiales kissing forward Jenni Hermoso, which she has said was not consensual. Things have been said that are not true.” Nothing has ever been said directly but indirectly things have been said that do not suit me. “In sporting terms, I am going to accept all the criticisms, but on a personal level I think it has been unfair,” Vilda, 42, told Cadena SER. Vilda’s exit came amid the fallout after the behaviour of RFEF president Luis Rubiales at the World Cup final. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) dismissed Vilda on Tuesday, with Montse Tome named his successor.
Former Spain head coach Jorge Vilda says being sacked weeks after winning the Women’s World Cup was “unfair”.
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