The Spanish soccer federation has appointed Montse Tomé to become the first woman to serve as coach of the women’s national soccer team, which won the Women’s World Cup three weeks ago. The announcement was made shortly after the federation fired coach Jorge Vilda, who had long faced criticism for his coaching style. Calls for Vilda’s resignation grew after he expressed support for Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales, who forcibly kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup awards ceremony. Rubiales is facing nationwide calls to be ousted, including from the women’s soccer team, staff and prominent politicians. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, “One cannot aspire to represent Spain and make Spain look bad with attitudes and speeches that embarrass us and that do not represent us.”
