Spain women's football team gets first-ever female head coach after WC kiss row

Amidst all the chaos that the Spain Football Federation is going through, ever since the entire Rubiales debacle, Spain Women’s National Team coach Jorge Vilda has been dismissed from his position, with Montse Tome taking over his duties.

Jorge Vilda, Spain's coach and sporting director, was relieved of his roles shortly after his World Cup victory, as the national football federation strives to mitigate the fallout from the post-final crisis in Sydney.

The Spain FA has come under heavy criticism ever since the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, forcefully kissed the Spanish Women’s Team captain, Jennifer Hemroso, during the post-match presentation ceremony. The decision to terminate the head coach's contract is seen as part of the ripple effect that Spanish women’s football is currently experiencing.

First-ever female Spanish head coach

Following Vilda's dismissal, the Spanish Football Federation announced Montse Tome as the individual who will be assuming Vilda’s responsibilities. This historic decision marks Tome as Spain’s first-ever female head coach of the Women’s National Team.

Result of a lingering fallout?

Vilda, who had been in charge of the national team since 2015, faced a player ‘revolt’ in September 2022. The RFEF disclosed that 15 players had collectively sent matching emails expressing their unwillingness to compete under Vilda unless "significant" issues related to their "mental well-being" and "physical health" were addressed.

These players, known as 'Las 15,' denied allegations that they had demanded Vilda's dismissal. However, reports of discomfort regarding training techniques and insufficient game readiness caused tension, despite Vilda's continued endorsement by Rubiales.

The coach remained a staunch supporter of Rubiales when he chose not to step down, even though he received significant backlash for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during last month's title celebrations in Sydney.