October 12, (THEWILL) – The recently sacked Spain women’s national team manager, Jorge Vilda, has been appointed as the new boss of the Morocco women’s side, just a month after lifting the World Cup trophy.
Vilda was in charge when Spain won the World Cup on August 20, but was dismissed on September 6 amid an ongoing scandal involving the Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales. Rubiales is facing criminal charges of sexual assault and coercion against Spanish player, Jenni Hermoso, who Vilda is also being investigated for allegedly pressuring to defend Rubiales.
15 Spanish players had refused call-ups under Vilda prior to his sacking, citing issues over Rubiales’ conduct and the Spanish FA’s handling of the situation. Vilda has now been hired by Morocco, who made history by becoming the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup knockout stages this summer under previous coach Reynald Pedros.
Morocco have been on the rise recently, finishing runners-up at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. They also boast Tottenham winger, Rosella Ayane, among their ranks. Morocco are hosting the next Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.
Vilda takes over a team still riding the wave of their breakthrough World Cup performance, but his appointment comes under controversial circumstances given his ties to the ongoing investigation in Spain.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
