Did Spain Separate from Montse Tome After Euro Final Loss?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Montse Tome has been released as head coach of the women's national team.
- Sonia Bermudez will take over as the new head coach.
- The decision follows Spain's defeat to England in the Euro final.
- Controversies involving Luis Rubiales have impacted the federation.
- Tome previously led the team to the Women's Nations League victory.
Madrid, Aug 11 (NationPress) The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has officially announced their decision to part ways with the head coach of the women’s national team, Montse Tome, just weeks after the team suffered a defeat against England in the final of the Women’s European Championship on penalties.
Although Montse’s contract was due to expire in August, the federation has confirmed that it will not be renewed. In her place, the head coach of Spain’s Under-23 team, Sonia Bermudez, will take charge of the national squad.
An RFEF statement expressed gratitude: “The Board of Directors of the Royal Spanish Football Federation wishes to thank Montse Tome for her dedication, professionalism, and hard work in various roles during her tenure with the RFEF national teams, especially as the head coach of the senior national team.”
Montse was appointed as the senior women’s team coach in September 2023, following the contentious departure of Jorge Vilda, under whom she previously served as an assistant, marking her as Spain’s first female head coach.
Controversially, former president of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, was found guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent. This incident occurred as the players celebrated their victory and was met with widespread condemnation and calls for his resignation.
Three of his former colleagues, including World Cup-winning coach Vilda, ex-marketing chief Ruben Rivera, and former sporting director Albert Luque, were acquitted of coercion charges.
Montse guided the squad to victory in the inaugural Women's Nations League in February 2024.
During her playing career, Bermudez played for teams like Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Levante, winning a total of nine league titles.
Prior to her promotion, the 40-year-old, who made 61 appearances for Spain, was the head coach of the U23 team.
She captained Spain in the 2015 World Cup, but the team ended up last in their group.