Spain fires women's football team coach Jorge Vilda

ANKARA

The Spanish football body sacked women's football team head coach Jorge Vilda on Tuesday, days after FIFA suspended the federation’s president for kissing a national team player on the mouth.

"The RFEF dismisses Jorge Vilda as national coach and sports director," Spain's football association said in a statement, and thanked the 42-year-old for his services for the national team and wished him best for the future.

"The coach (Vilda) has been key to the remarkable growth of women's football and leaves Spain as world champion and second in the FIFA ranking.

"During his long period, Vilda has been a promoter of the values ​​of respect and fair play in football," the RFEF said.

Vilda was replaced by Montse Tome, first woman to coach Spain. She will make her debut in September in the Nations League against Sweden.

Spain won their first Women's World Cup title on Aug. 20 after beating England 1-0 in Sydney.

While celebrating the triumph, Spanish player Jennifer Hermoso was kissed by soccer federation president Luis Rubiales, sparking protests and reactions. ​​​​​​​Hermoso said she did not consent to the kiss.

Rubiales, who has refused to resign, has been provisionally suspended and faces a Spanish government case against him for the conduct.