Jorge Vilda, the manager of Spain’s women’s football team, has been fired by Spain’s football federation in the aftermath of the RFEF President Luis Rubiales kiss scandal after the World Cup final. The former coach led Spain to a World Cup victory, defeating England in the final 1-0.

Vilda’s contract was terminated by a new board formed after FIFA suspended RFEF President Luis Rubiales for the allegedly non-consensual kiss during the World Cup victory celebration two weeks ago. The Rubiales scandal quickly erupted into a national debate about women’s rights and sexist behaviour.

Vilda came under fire after applauding RFEF President Luis Rubiales’ contentious speech at the RFEF assembly last Friday. Rubiales drew widespread criticism after kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the final on August 20.

Rubiales called Vilda the best coach in women’s football and offered him a new four-year contract worth €500,000 (ã429,000) per year. Vilda had shifted his position, issuing a statement criticising Rubiales but refraining from calling for his resignation or dismissal.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) apologised earlier on Tuesday for the “enormous damage done” as a result of the kiss, saying Rubiales’ actions do not reflect the federation and that they are “embarrassed” by his actions.

Vilda, a close ally of Rubiales, has been under fire since last year when 15 players staged a mutiny calling for his resignation due to his ineffective coaching methods and demanding conditions comparable to those of the men’s squad. Even though some demands were met, the majority of the players involved were cut from the squad.