Judge says ex-women's World Cup coach Jorge Vilda under investigation

Vilda and two others have been "summoned as suspects" to appear before investigating judge Francisco de Jorge on October 10, said a statement from Spain's Audiencia National court. It identified the other two as Albert Luque, director of the men's national team, and Ruben Rivera, marketing director for the Spanish football federation (RFEF).

The court did not clarify precisely the nature of the suspicion surrounding Vilda. Rubiales is facing sexual assault charges after kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain beat England in the final on August 20. He was RFEF head at the time but has since resigned, making his first appearance in court on September 15.

Rubiales is also facing coercion charges after Hermoso said she "had suffered constant ongoing pressure by Luis Rubiales and his professional entourage to justify and condone" his actions, court documents show.  Luque and Ribera had initially been summoned as witnesses but the judge has since named them as being under investigation.

Judge changes tack

The change came after the judge heard testimony from Hermoso's brother and one of her friends, who confirmed the midfielder's statements that she did not consent to the kiss and had been under pressure to justify Rubiales' actions. According to Spanish media reports, her brother told the judge she had also been pressured by Vilda, who was sacked on September 6.

Vilda was known for being close to Rubiales. At his court hearing on September 15, Rubiales once again maintained the kiss was consensual, a judicial source said. But Hermoso's lawyer Carla Vall said it was clear to everyone that it was not.  "Thanks to this video, everyone can see there was no consent whatsoever and that is what we will demonstrate in court," she told reporters outside the court.

The kiss sparked a global backlash, and a major crisis within Spanish football, with most of the World Cup winners demanding more heads roll at the scandal-hit RFEF. The judge will on Thursday hear testimony from Patricia Perez, head of public relations for the women's squad, and from Miguel Caba, the recently-sacked head of transparency for the RFEF. On Monday, two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and two other Spain players, defender Irene Paredes and goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez, will also give testify before the judge.

 

September 27, 2023