Jorge Vilda Rodriguez, who despite leading the Spanish women’s team to victory in the World Cup, has been named coach of the Moroccan women team after a controversial reign in the Spanish Federation that saw players refusing to stay in the team under his leadership.
Public reactions on social media condemned his appointment while he’s still being investigated for the World Cup kiss controversy.
🚨🇲🇦Jorge Vilda has been appointed as the Moroccan’s Women’s national team head coach. Reynard Pedros departs.
This is wrong & concerning. Vilda shouldn’t be allowed to work with a WNT, a life ban is what should be given.
🚨🇲🇦Jorge Vilda has been appointed as the Moroccan’s Women’s national team head coach. Reynard Pedros departs.
This is wrong & concerning. Vilda shouldn’t be allowed to work with a WNT, a life ban is what should be given.
— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) October 12, 2023
Shocking, yet not shocking, that Jorge Vilda is allowed to just walk into another job in women’s football.
— Kathryn Batte (@KathrynBatte) October 12, 2023
Vilda is facing an inquiry regarding the alleged coercion element within the case involving his former superior Luis Rubiales. He recently made an appearance in Spain’s national court on October 10th.
In September 2022, fifteen players informed the Football Federation that they won’t play as long as he remains the head coach.
The players cited emotional well-being and health. One of the contentious issues that emerged was Vilda’s strict regulation, which prohibited players from locking their hotel room doors until midnight during international duty.
The athletes pointed out many other issues, including late arrivals to host cities, taking bus travel over practical flights, and intrusive procedures like bag searches during trips.
Their collective plea centered on the need for a more professional approach to enhance their performance on the field.
Only three of the dissenting athletes made it onto the World Cup roster, raising questions about the consequences of challenging the coach’s authority