In a clearly worded statement, the coach condemned any display of macho conduct, asserting that such attitudes have no place in a society that aims to be educated and progressive.
Jorge Vilda, the head coach of Spain’s women’s national team, expressed disappointment regarding what he described as improper conduct by the President of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, following Spain’s victory in the latest World Cup final.
He highlighted that the momentous triumph, achieved with a one-goal margin thanks to Olga Carmona’s decisive finish, should stand as a landmark in the history of Spanish women’s football rather than be overshadowed by the behavior of officials. Vilda underscored that the victory should reflect the team’s hard work, talent, and unity, not become a backdrop for controversy or missteps by leadership.
Speaking in a formal briefing, Vilda conveyed his deep regret that the nation’s success has been marred by actions from the federation’s top leadership that he says are inappropriate and inconsistent with the values he champions in sport and life. He reiterated that Rubiales has acknowledged certain conduct, yet the implications for the team and for Spanish football remain a matter of concern.
RUBIALES, COLLECTOR OF SCANDALS
STATEMENT BY JORGE VILDA
Vilda stated that the events surrounding Spain’s first-ever Women’s World Cup win have unfolded as a confusing and damaging chapter. He noted that the victory, earned through collective effort and national pride, has become a focal point for actions that undermine the achievement and the public trust built around the team and its supporters.
He declared that the celebration should be a moment of pride for players, staff, and the country, not a stage for behavior that contradicts the principles a modern sport embodies. He emphasized that the behavior criticized by him does not align with the standards he holds dear in professional life, in sports, and in football specifically.
Vilda made a firm call against any attitude that tries to place gender, competitiveness, or authority above the core values of fairness and equality. He described the atmosphere that has emerged as undesirable and out of step with what a true celebration of achievement in women’s sport should look like.
To ensure clarity, he has shared the substance of his statements with the federation’s current president and the federation’s top leadership, confirming that the concerns are genuine and deserving of careful attention. The coach’s priorities remain clear: sustained sporting success for the women’s national team while advancing initiatives that foster inclusiveness, respect, and equal opportunity for all players involved.
Vilda’s leadership role, both as head coach and as a guiding figure for the women’s teams, has consistently focused on achieving competitive results and promoting a culture that champions equality and mutual respect. The broader achievements of the Women’s World Championship and the progress seen in the lower age categories illustrate the federation’s ongoing commitment to supporting women’s sport at every level. He reaffirmed his unwavering pledge to promote football as a model of equality, dignity, and social responsibility within Spanish society.