Jorge Vilda responds to 'unfair' sacking as Spain women's manager - 'I will never applaud anything sexist'

Jorge Vilda has branded his sacking as Spain women's manager “unfair” after he was dismissed in the wake of the controversy surrounding Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales.

Vilda led Spain to their first-ever Women’s World Cup title last month, but the celebrations were overshadowed by Rubiales kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso during the trophy presentation.

Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual and Vilda was later seen applauding Rubiales – who has since been suspended by FIFA – when he responded to the backlash by declaring he would not resign from his position.

Vilda was sacked on Wednesday, little more than two weeks after Spain’s historic victory over England in Sydney.

"In sporting terms, I am going to accept all the criticisms, but on a personal level, I think it has been unfair," Vilda said in an interview with Cadena SER.

"It has been a special year. Nothing has ever been said directly but indirectly things have been said that do not suit me. Things have been said that are not true."

Most of Vilda’s coaching staff resigned in the aftermath of the incident between Rubiales and Hermoso.

On Tuesday, Spanish FA president Pedro Rocha released a statement apologising for the actions of Rubiales, saying he was “ashamed” of the behaviour and condemning “the damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values of football and sport as a whole".

Vilda sought to explain why he had been seen applauding Rubiales at the Spanish FA extraordinary general assembly, where Rubiales said he would offer Vilda a new contract.

“I will never applaud anything sexist,” he said. “I didn't know very well why I was going to that assembly. I thought there was going to be a resignation.

“The president is valuing your work and announcing your renewal, I applauded that.

“I also applaud Rubiales' management of the women's football, with a budget that has multiplied by four. When 150 people around you applaud it is very difficult to be the only one who doesn't.”

Vilda has been replaced in the role by Montse Tome.

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