The Moroccan Football Federation announced on Wednesday evening that Spanish coach Jorge Vilda had been dismissed as head coach of the women’s national team, ending his spell with the side after nearly three years in charge as the team prepares for a new phase of preparations, led by its participation in the next Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Éric Blahic to lead Uzbekistan friendlies
The Moroccan federation said in a statement that the women’s team would hold a new training camp, with Frenchman Éric Blahic taking charge for the two friendly matches against Uzbekistan, scheduled for 6 and 12 October. The camp is part of Morocco’s preparations for upcoming international commitments.
Vilda arrived in Morocco in October 2023, just one month after being dismissed as coach of the Spanish women’s national team. His dismissal at the time also included his removal as technical director of the women’s national teams at the Spanish Football Federation.
The decision to end Vilda’s tenure with Spain was made by Pedro Rocha, who at the time was serving as president of the Spanish federation’s interim management committee. The decision came after Luis Rubiales resigned and was suspended from carrying out his duties as federation president, amid the crisis that followed Spain’s triumph at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Vilda led Spain to the biggest achievement of his coaching career, as the team won the first Women’s World Cup title in the history of Spanish football under his management. The tournament was held in Australia and New Zealand during the summer of 2023, before the coach’s time with the Spanish team ended just weeks after the triumph.
Vilda’s record with the Moroccan national team
During his time with the Moroccan national team, Vilda led the side in continental competitions and secured qualification for the next Women’s World Cup in Brazil. In the latest edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco last July, the team finished fourth after losing to Cameroon in the semi-finals.
The fourth-place finish followed Morocco’s runners-up spots in the previous two editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Although the team did not reach the final in the latest edition, it secured a place at the next World Cup, maintaining its presence among the emerging teams in African women’s football.
The dismissal brings Vilda’s period with the Moroccan national team, which began in October 2023, to an end, while Blahic takes charge of the current phase in the two friendlies against Uzbekistan as part of preparations for upcoming international competitions.
