Following the release of video showing the coach of Spain’s Women’s World Cup winning soccer team stroking a female assistant’s breast while celebrating the game’s lone goal, the coach is under fire.
The event occurs in the midst of a nationwide outcry over the head of the Spanish soccer federation for kissing a player on the lips during the award ceremony after the 1-0 victory over England in Sydney, Australia, without getting her permission.
Jorge Vilda turns to embrace three of his assistants, a woman and two men, in a video of Spain’s coaching staff celebrating the goal against England. His hand touches the woman’s breast, who was wearing a coat, as he turns to face the field once again. He was holding a guy aide in his other hand.
The Associated Press sent a request for comment to the Spanish soccer organization, but they did not answer right away.
Luis Rubiales is under increasing pressure to resign after interim prime minister Pedro Sánchez asked for him to be held responsible for his behavior during the championship game.
One of Spain’s biggest triumphs for women’s soccer has been tarnished by the Rubiales affair. The only nations that have won both the men’s and women’s World Cups are Germany and Spain.
Vilda guided Spain to win less than a year after 15 players threatened to leave the squad unless the coach made significant changes to the team’s tactics and results. Vilda has never been charged with wrongdoing, as far as is known. For the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, three players made their way back into the squad.
