Montse Tome

The coach of Spain's World Cup-winning women's soccer team was fired on Tuesday, less than three weeks after the victory celebration that led to the suspension of the country's soccer federation president for kissing a player.

The Spanish soccer federation offered no immediate explanation for the dismissal and mostly praised Jorge Vilda, the head coach of the Spain women's national football team from 2015 to 2023, winning the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, saying he was "key to the notable growth of women’s soccer” and thanking him for leading the national women's team to its first World Cup title and to No. 2 in the FIFA rankings.

Vilda was among those who at first applauded federation president Luis Rubiales when he refused to resign despite facing widespread criticism for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the on-field victory celebrations last month in Sydney.

One of Vilda's assistant coaches, Montse Tomé, was appointed to replace him. Tomé is the first woman to hold the job.

Vilda said he was caught by surprise by the federation's decision and described his dismissal as "unfair.” Rubiales had announced in the federation's emergency general assembly after the World Cup that Vilda would have his contract renewed.

"The explanation they gave me was that there were some structural changes,” Vilda told Spanish radio network SER. "After everything I've achieved, after having given my 100%, my conscience is clear. I don't understand the firing, I didn't think I deserved it.”

Associated Press