Spain manager Jorge Vilda sacked by Spanish FA amid Luis Rubiales crisis
The Spanish Football Federation has sacked women’s manager Jorge Vilda only two weeks after winning the World Cup amid the ongoing Luis Rubiales crisis. Vilda’s entire playing and coaching staff resigned in protest against Rubiales, the Federation (RFEF) president who refused to step down over his conduct during the final in which he kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during Spain’s trophy presentation. He was also pictured handling other players, kissing them on the cheek and grabbing his own crotch in an aggressive celebration. Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by Fifa from all football-related activity and banned from contacting Hermoso or those close to her while an investigation is carried out. In a speech made to RFEF officials and the media, Rubiales refused to resign and hit out at a “witch hunt” against him – and Vilda was pictured in the audience applauding the man who appointed him as head coach of the women’s team in 2015. Vilda later issued a statement condemning Rubiales’ conduct but did not resign, and he has now been removed from his post, according to multiple reports in Spain. Vilda has long been a controversial and unpopular figure among the Spanish squad. His team looked to be on the brink of implosion 12 months ago when 15 players made themselves unavailable for selection, saying that the environment of the national team was having a negative impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. They complained about the oppressive nature of Vilda’s managerial regime and were unhappy about how outdated the international set-up seemed. Some of the arrangements, like travelling long distances by bus or not having staff in certain key roles, fell well below their standards at club level and they did not feel the Spanish FA was given them the best chance of fulfilling a unique generation of talent. Other complaints included the coach’s demands that their hotel room doors remain unlocked until midnight, and that their bags were routinely checked. Meanwhile, the current RFEF president, Pedro Rocha, has written a letter distancing the organisation from Rubiales’ actions, saying he is “ashamed” by them. “The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values ​​of football and sport as a whole have been enormous,” Rocha’s letter said. “Mr Rubiales’ actions do not represent the values ​​defended by the Spanish federation, nor the values ​​of Spanish society as a whole. “His actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, since he is the one solely responsible for those actions before society, before the sports governing bodies and, if applicable, before justice. To be clear, this position was that of Mr Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. We feel especially sorry and ashamed for the pain and additional distress this has caused.” more to follow... Read More Luis Rubiales speaks out to ‘continue defending myself’ over kiss scandal Spain manager asks for ‘forgiveness’ after applauding Luis Rubiales speech Watch: Wiegman dedicates Women’s Coach of the Year award to Spain players
1970-01-01 08:00
Federal court strikes down Alabama's second attempt to avoid adding another majority-Black congressional district
A federal court blocked a newly-drawn Alabama congressional map because it didn't create a second majority-Black district, as the Supreme Court had ordered earlier this year.
1970-01-01 08:00
How Old Is Barbie Supposed to Be, Anyway?
It’s often said that Barbie is 19 years old, but the answer is a little more nuanced than that.
1970-01-01 08:00
US Homebuyers Weigh Climate Risk in Picking a House, Zillow Says
More than four in five US homebuyers are factoring in climate risks when they shop for a new
1970-01-01 08:00
Alabama's congressional map illegally hurts Black voters, U.S. court rules
By Joseph Ax (Reuters) -Alabama's Republican-drawn congressional map illegally dilutes Black residents' voting power, a panel of federal judges ruled
1970-01-01 08:00
WNBA standings: Resetting the race for the final playoff spots
The WNBA Playoffs begin on Sept. 13, and the race for the final playoff spots has officially heated up with several teams vying for the final spot.
1970-01-01 08:00
Xavi agrees new Barcelona contract
Xavi agrees new contract to extend his stay as Barcelona head coach.
1970-01-01 08:00
Fed’s Waller Says Central Bank Can ‘Proceed Carefully’ With Rate Hikes
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said policymakers can afford to “proceed carefully” with interest-rate increases given recent data
1970-01-01 08:00
3 players the Houston Rockets could realistically trade in 2023-24
With new head coach Ime Udoka and two expensive free agent additions Fred Vanvleet and Dillon Brooks joining this summer, the Houston Rockets are attempting to transition out of their rebuild.
1970-01-01 08:00
3 possible closing lineup ideas for Warriors next season
Following the Golden State Warriors' productive offseason, here's a preview of what other teams can expect to go up against in clutch situations.
1970-01-01 08:00
Man Utd confirm Sofyan Amrabat shirt number
Man Utd have revealed the squad number which Sofyan Amrabat will wear after moving to the Premier League side from Fiorentina.
1970-01-01 08:00
Luis Rubiales conduct has caused ‘enormous damage’, says Spanish FA
The Spanish football federation has apologised for the “enormous damage” caused by the actions of its suspended president Luis Rubiales. The 46-year-old has been provisionally barred from all football activity for an initial 90 days by FIFA while it investigates his conduct at last month’s Women’s World Cup final in Sydney. Rubiales kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation, something Hermoso has said she did not consent to. However, Rubiales has refused to resign over the matter. Now, the current president of the Spanish federation (RFEF), Pedro Rocha, has written a letter distancing the organisation from Rubiales’ actions, saying he is “ashamed” by them. “The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values ​​of football and sport as a whole have been enormous,” Rocha’s letter said. “Mr Rubiales’ actions do not represent the values ​​defended by the Spanish federation, nor the values ​​of Spanish society as a whole. “His actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, since he is the one solely responsible for those actions before society, before the sports governing bodies and, if applicable, before justice. “To be clear, this position was that of Mr Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. We feel especially sorry and ashamed for the pain and additional distress this has caused.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
1970-01-01 08:00
