Spain has hired its first female coach for its women’s national football team, following the dismissal of Jorge Vilda over his involvement in the scandal that rocked the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Maria Antonia Is, a former player and assistant coach, has been appointed as the new head coach of the World Cup-winning team.
Is, 43, was officially presented as the new coach on Wednesday, a day after the RFEF announced that it had sacked Vilda, who had led the team to its first World Cup title in July. Vilda, 42, had been under fire for his support of RFEF president Luis Rubiales, who was suspended by FIFA for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the World Cup celebrations.
Is said she was honored and excited to take on the challenge of leading the team, and praised the players for their talent and professionalism. She also said she wanted to continue the successful work of Vilda, who had transformed the team into a global force and had achieved historic results.