Multiple Spain Coaches Quit Over Luis Rubiales Scandal But Not Jorge Vilda

Ten coaches and one physiotherapist quit their jobs with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Saturday.

Spain's entire coaching staff from their triumphant Women's World Cup campaign resigned except for manager Jorge Vilda.

The mass walkout came less than 24 hours after 81 players - including all 23 members of Spain's Women's World Cup squad - vowed not to play for their country again until Luis Rubiales is removed from his position as president of the RFEF.

Rubiales had been expected to resign on Friday following his widely-criticized behavior at last weekend's final, where he grabbed his crotch while in a VIP area of Stadium Australia and later kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the lips - "without any consent", according to the player herself.

But instead of standing down, Rubiales said that he would "fight until the end" against what he described as a "social assassination".

RFEF president Luis Rubiales pictured hugging Jennifer Hermoso before he kissed her on the lips following the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final

IMAGO/Sports Press Photo/Noe Llamas

Rubiales claimed that the kiss had been consensual and later announced that he would be taking legal action against Hermoso for suggesting otherwise.

Also during Friday's extraordinary general assembly, Rubiales promised to extend the contract of women's national team manager Vilda by a further four years.

It is likely that both Rubiales and Vilda - who was the subject of a separate scandal before the tournament - will eventually be pushed out.

But Rubiales - despite being suspended by FIFA on Saturday - clearly has no intention of going quietly.

Assistant managers Montse Tome, Javier Lerga and Eugenio Gonzalo Martin all quit in protest on Saturday, as did goalkeeping coach Carlos Sanchez and physio Blanca Romero Moraleda.

Six other coaches involved with the national team at various age levels also resigned.

In a joint statement, the coaching staff said: "Those named below express their firm and resounding condemnation of the conduct shown by the RFEF president.

"He offered a story that does not reflect in any way what was felt by Jenni Hermoso, who has expressly stated that she felt she was the 'victim of aggression'.

"Given the unacceptable attitudes and statements made by the president, they have made the decision to relieve themselves of their duties."

Spain's entire coaching staff from the Women's World Cup have quit apart from manager Jorge Vilda (center)

IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Julieta Ferrario

Despite not quitting, Vilda issued a statement in which he criticized Rubiales, while also describing him as a "top leader".

Vilda said: "I regret deeply that the victory of Spanish women's football has been harmed by the inappropriate behavior that our until now top leader, Luis Rubiales, has carried out and that he himself has recognized.

"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 doubt any macho attitude, [which should be] 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."