September 27, (THEWILL) – Spain’s former World Cup-winning head coach, Jorge Vilda, is facing an investigation as part of a criminal case against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
THEWILL recalls that Vilda was dismissed from his position earlier this month as a result of the controversy surrounding Rubiales’ behaviour at the World Cup final on 20 August. Rubiales has been accused of sexual assault and coercion by forward Jenni Hermoso, who claims that he forcibly kissed her without her consent.
Vilda will appear before Spain’s National Court on October 10, along with other RFEF officials. Reports monitored by THEWILL suggest that Vilda is being investigated for his involvement in the alleged coercion of Hermoso. She revealed that she and her loved ones were pressured to defend Rubiales’ actions. Vilda has denied any involvement in these events.
Along with Vilda, Albert Luque – Director of the men’s national team – and Ruben Rivera – RFEF Director of marketing – are also under investigation, having been called as witnesses. As a result of the allegations against Rubiales, he has been issued a restraining order, prohibiting him from being within 200 meters of Hermoso.
In their first match on home soil since winning the World Cup, Spain defeated Switzerland 5-0 on Tuesday. Before the game, both teams stood behind a banner reading “It’s over, our fight is the global fight,” in response to the scandal that has rocked Spanish football.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
