Jorge Vilda, former head coach of Spain’s women's national football team, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Morocco women's team. This comes as Morocco has been making significant strides in women's football, reaching their first-ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations final and making their World Cup debut.
🚨🇲🇦Jorge Vilda has been appointed as the Moroccan’s Women’s national team head coach. Reynard Pedros departs.
This is wrong & concerning. Vilda shouldn’t be allowed to work with a WNT, a life ban is what should be given.
Unbelievable. FIFA, step in!!https://t.co/myo5tvroIb— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) October 12, 2023
Vilda's tenure in Spain ended amid a controversial fallout involving the former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales. The incident occurred when Rubiales kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the trophy ceremony in Australia, leading to widespread criticism and allegations. Vilda was a controversial figure during his time in charge of Spain's national team, with some players refusing to participate under his management. He was the only one of Spain’s coaching staff to not resign in protest at the behaviour of Luis Rubiales at the end of the Women’s World Cup. Vilda had received strong support from Rubiales, which led to a new contract for Vilda following the World Cup victory. However, the RFEF confirmed Vilda's dismissal following Rubiales' suspension and resignation.
Morocco's women's team recently made their World Cup debut, reaching the knockout stages. They secured victories against South Korea and Colombia but were ultimately defeated by France. The team opted not to retain the services of their previous coach, Reynald Pedros. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation released a statement, announcing Vilda's appointment and thanking Pedros for his contributions to the team's success in the World Cup:
"The Royal Moroccan Football Federation contracted with the Spanish coach, Mr. Jorge Vilda, to coach the women's national football team in the next stage, succeeding Mr. Reynald Pedros, whose duties ended, with thanks extended to him for the work he accomplished during his mission at the helm of the women's national football team, especially the qualification to the second round of the World Cup tournament."
🚨✅| OFFICIAL: Former Spain women’s coach Jorge Vilda is the new Moroccan women’s coach. #fcblive pic.twitter.com/zNjBrlfYvz
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) October 12, 2023
Since 2022, Morocco has seen significant success in football, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final. The country's women’s team also reached their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, achieving remarkable results in both men’s and women’s football. Vilda is expected to be officially unveiled as the head coach on Sunday, marking the beginning of a new era for Moroccan women's football.
