Spain hire first-ever female coach for women’s national team

Montse Tome new Spain women's coach | Imago

Spain hire first-ever female coach for women’s national team

Ayoola Kelechi 00:00 - 07.09.2023

For the first time in its history, Spain's women's national team will have a female coach after the appointment of Jorge Vilda's replacement

In the wake of the scandal that engulfed the Spanish FA and the sacking of women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, RFEF have hired a female manager for La Roja for the first time in its history. 

Spain fire Vilda in the aftermath of kissgate scandal

Vilda, who has been embroiled in a number of scandals in his time as Spain's manager was let go despite winning La Roja’s first Women’s World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand after suffering a potential mutiny in the squad. 

The former coach was also thought to be a supporter of suspended RFEF president Luis Rubiales after he was seen applauding the embattled administrator’s speech at the federation’s general council where he announced that he would not resign in spite of pressure following the Kissgate scandal. 

Montse Tome with former Spain coach Jorge Vilda | Imago
Montse Tome with former Spain coach Jorge Vilda | Imago

Vilda was set for a new contract after becoming a world champion, but the situation quickly changed after Rubiales was suspended by FIFA following allegations of misconduct, and the interim board of the RFEF decided it was best to sack the World Cup winner.  

Vilda replaced by Spain’s first-ever female boss

Vilda’s exit from the national team has been met mostly with elation among supporters of the national team, and they will be even happier after Spain hired its first-ever female coach, Montse Tome, to replace him. 

Before being appointed as the new Spain women’s national team boss, Tome served as Vilda’s assistant and was with La Roja when they conquered the World in Australia and New Zealand. 

Spain captain Olga Carmona with the World Cup trophy | Imago
Spain captain Olga Carmona with the World Cup trophy | Imago

She has served in that capacity since 2018 and was described by the RFEF as “a key player in the national team's growth,” upon her appointment as head coach. 

Her appointment will likely be seen as a move to pacify the backlash that the FA has faced in its treatment of the women under its employ and Tome will be charged with bringing much-needed calm to the raging storm facing the RFEF. 

Related content

Tags: