Jorge Vilda finally criticises Luis Rubiales but does not resign as Spain coach

Spain coach Jorge Vilda has joined the criticism of Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, labelling the behaviour "inappropriate" and "unacceptable". But he hasn't followed other national team coaching staff in resigning in protest.

Rubiales has been at the centre of a storm ever since Spain's victory at the Women's World Cup last weekend. The 46-year-old kissed forward Jenni Hermoso, which the player confirmed to be not consensual, as well as also grabbing his crotch during other celebrations.

Rubiales initially apologised for the behaviour he said was "completely wrong". But, following the calls for sanctions against him, he subsequently gave a shocking press conference, during which he refused to resign, appeared to deny wrongdoing and claimed the kiss was fully consensual.

"I am not going to resign. I am not going to resign. I am not going to resign. What have I done? I'm going to fight until the end," the president declared, even going as far as bizarrely alleging that he is being targeted and persecuted by what he called "false feminism".

Rubiales also promised a new contract for Vilda worth €2m (£1.7m) over four years in that speech.

Vilda was in the audience for the disturbing tirade and was seen applauding Rubiales, who stood by him when 15 players refused to be called up for international duty last September in protest against the coach and the environment within the national team setup.

Rubiales has been hit by other accusations over his conduct, while many have come out in support of Hermoso following a lengthy statement from her describing the claims from the president as "categorically false and part of the manipulative culture that he himself has generated".

Barcelona coach Xavi, the England women’s national team and men’s national team player Borja Iglesias are among those to have publicly backed the player. Vilda's entire coaching staff have also resigned in protest, although Vilda himself has refused to budge.

Vilda's statement indicates an acknowledgment of not being able to align himself with Rubiales without suffering further damage to his own reputation. Men's team boss Luis de la Fuente also applauded the president, now suspended for 90 days by FIFA, during what is already an infamous moment in women's football history, but has similarly also issued a statement criticising the original behaviour.

"I regret deeply that the victory of Spanish women's football has been harmed by the inappropriate behaviour that our until now top leader, Luis Rubiales, has carried out and that he himself has recognised," Vilda said.

"There is no doubt that it is unacceptable and does not reflect at all the principles and values that I defend in my life, in sport in general and in football in particular.

"I condemn without doubt any macho attitude, [which should be] far from an advanced and developed society. A clearly undesirable climate has been generated, far from what should have been a great celebration of Spanish sport and women's sport. I reiterate my unwavering commitment to promoting a sport that is a model of equality and respect in our society."

READ MORE ABOUT THE SCANDAL INVOLVING SPAIN & THE RFEF PRESIDENT