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Spain\u2019s Women\u2019s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda has been sacked amid the fallout from the scandal involving the Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales.<\/p>\n
Vilda was the only member of the women\u2019s national team coaching set-up not to resign in protest at the behaviour of Rubiales at the end of the World Cup final, but the Spanish football federation (RFEF) confirmed his dismissal on Tuesday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Concerns over Vilda\u2019s coaching methods and regime were reported to have been a key factor in 15 Spain players refusing to play for the national team last year.<\/p>\n
The federation, under Rubiales\u2019 leadership, refused to budge in response to the players\u2019 complaints, with a statement saying those involved would only be able to return to the national team \u201cif they accept their mistake and ask for forgiveness\u201d.<\/p>\n
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Vilda was seen applauding Rubiales at an emergency RFEF general assembly when he announced on August 25 that he would not resign over his actions in Sydney, where he kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips \u2013 something she says she did not consent to \u2013 and where he grabbed his crotch in the VIP area celebrating the win, stood just metres from Spain\u2019s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter.<\/p>\n
Rubiales was suspended by FIFA the following day, pending an investigation into his conduct.<\/p>\n
The RFEF made no reference to any discontent among the players in announcing Vilda\u2019s exit, instead referring to his \u201cprofessionalism and dedication during all these years\u201d.<\/p>\n
The statement described the move as one of the first \u201crenewal measures\u201d under current president Pedro Rocha, who earlier on Tuesday had published a letter apologising on behalf of the RFEF for Rubiales\u2019 behaviour.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe value (Vilda\u2019s) impeccable personal and sporting conduct, being a key piece in the notable growth of women\u2019s football in Spain. During his extensive period, Vilda has been a promoter of the values \u200b\u200bof respect and sportsmanship in football,\u201d the RFEF statement confirming the coach\u2019s dismissal said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe RFEF would like to express its gratitude to Jorge Vilda for the services provided, for his professionalism and dedication during all these years, wishing him the best successes in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe RFEF is left with an extraordinary sporting legacy thanks to the implementation of a recognised game model and a methodology that has been an engine of growth for all the women\u2019s categories of the national team.\u201d<\/p>\n
The federation later announced Montse Tome, Vilda\u2019s assistant and one of those who resigned after Rubiales\u2019 address to the RFEF assembly, had been appointed as his successor.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the afternoon, current RFEF president Rocha published a letter acknowledging the \u201cenormous damage\u201d caused both by Rubiales\u2019 actions in Sydney and how he conducted himself subsequently.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values \u200b\u200bof football and sport as a whole have been enormous,\u201d Rocha\u2019s letter said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr Rubiales\u2019 actions do not represent the values \u200b\u200bdefended by the Spanish federation, nor the values \u200b\u200bof Spanish society as a whole.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, since he is the one solely responsible for those actions before society, before the sports governing bodies\u00a0and, if applicable, before justice.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be clear, this position was that of Mr Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. We feel especially sorry and ashamed for the pain and additional distress this has caused.\u201d<\/p>\n
All of Spain\u2019s 23 World Cup winners, plus another 58 players, have said they will not represent their country until Rubiales has left his post.<\/p>\n
Spain\u2019s men\u2019s team said in a statement on Monday that his behaviour had been \u201cunacceptable\u201d but called for unity as they focus on upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.<\/p>\n
On August 28, the presidents of the regional Spanish federations called on Rubiales to quit, and in addition to the FIFA investigation, the RFEF regional presidents are working alongside Spain\u2019s Higher Sports Council (CSD) to conduct a thorough review of the federation\u2019s governance. Spanish prosecutors have also opened a preliminary investigation into the matter.<\/p>\n
The RFEF said it had withdrawn \u201cinappropriate and meaningless communications\u201d about what had happened at the final from its website, adding that these \u201cdid not value what was achieved by the national team and did not take into account the statements of (Hermoso) about these facts\u201d.<\/p>\n
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However, an RFEF statement threatening Hermoso and the FUTPRO union with legal action, dated August 25, was still on the website at 2.40pm UK time on Tuesday afternoon.<\/p>\n
That statement is also accompanied by photos posted in support of Rubiales\u2019 case, and refers to \u201clies\u201d told by Hermoso and FUTPRO.<\/p>\n
Source: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"