World Cup winners Spain axe Vilda in wake of Rubiales controversy

Jorge Vilda has been sacked as manager of the Spanish women's national team.

Vilda, 42, led La Roja to a maiden Women's World Cup success last month but has more recently been embroiled in the controversy surrounding federation president Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales is accused of kissing Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the aftermath of Spain's 1-0 win over England, prompting calls from around the footballing world for him to step down.

The 46-year-old has refused to resign amid a string of complaints over his conduct but is currently suspended by FIFA pending a full investigation.

However, Vilda — who was widely criticised for applauding Rubiales' speech where he refused to stand down — has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect, with Montse Tome announced soon after as his successor.

Tome, 41, was one of Vilda's assistant coaches and becomes the first woman to hold the role in Spanish football history.

Her first matches at the helm will come against Sweden and Switzerland later this month.

A statement from the RFEF read: "The Royal Spanish Football Federation has decided to dispense with the services of Jorge Vilda as sports director and women's national coach. 

"The RFEF appreciates his work at the head of the national team and in his functions as the head of sports for the women's teams, as well as the successes achieved during his time crowned with the recent achievement of the World Cup. 

"We value his impeccable personal and sporting conduct, being a key piece in the notable growth of women's football in Spain. During his extensive period, Vilda has been a promoter of the values ​​of respect and sportsmanship in football.

"We would like to express our gratitude to Jorge Vilda for the services provided, for his professionalism and dedication during all these years, wishing him the best successes in the future. 

"The RFEF is left with an extraordinary sporting legacy thanks to the implementation of a recognized game model and a methodology that has been an engine of growth for all the women's categories of the national team."