Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda has criticised suspended football federation president Luis Rubiales, calling the moment he kissed squad member Jennifer Hermoso “inappropriate and unacceptable”.
Vilda’s entire coaching staff have resigned over the Rubiales row, but Vilda has not stepped down despite his latest statement.
The coach was spotted applauding at the Spanish federation’s extraordinary general assembly on Friday, when Rubiales gave an emphatic speech in which he repeatedly insisted he would not resign and claimed to be the victim of “social assassination”.
The two had been allies after Rubiales stood by Vilda in September 2022 when 15 national-team players pulled out of the squad, saying that Vilda’s management was affecting their emotional state and health.
Of those 15, only three opted to return to the Spain squad which went on to beat England in the final in Sydney.
Vilda released a statement on Saturday night, saying: “I regret deeply that the victory of Spanish women’s football has been harmed by the inappropriate behaviour that our until now top leader, Luis Rubiales, has carried out and that he himself has recognised.
“There is no doubt that it is unacceptable and does not reflect at all the principles and values that I defend in my life, in sport in general and in football in particular.
“I condemn without palliatives any macho attitude, far from an advanced and developed society.
“A clearly undesirable climate has been generated, far from what should have been a great celebration of Spanish sport and women’s sport.
“I reiterate my unwavering commitment to promoting a sport that is a model of equality and respect in our society.”
Fifa has provisionally suspended 46-year-old Rubiales, a former La Liga player for Levante, from any football-related activities for an initial 90 days.
Spain’s government has also started legal proceedings as they aim to suspend him.
More to follow.
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