Morocco Replaces Jorge Vilda, but His Contract May Still Have a Year to Run
Jorge Vilda is no longer coaching the Atlas Lionesses, but his departure from Morocco may not be settled. According to the Spanish press, the former coach does not consider himself officially dismissed, even though the Moroccan federation has already handed the team to Frenchman Éric Blahic.
Morocco has already chosen his successor. But Jorge Vilda does not consider his time with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to be over. Two days after Éric Blahic was appointed head coach of the Atlas Lionesses, the Spanish press revealed an unexpected situation: the former coach believes he has not been officially dismissed.
The story was reported this Friday, October 9, by specialist outlet IUSPORT, which cited revelations by journalist Kike Marín of El Confidencial. According to Marín, Vilda was indeed removed from his sporting duties, but his contract may not have been terminated.
The distinction is far from insignificant. In announcing the arrival of the French coach, the FRMF limited itself to presenting the women’s national team’s preparation schedule. No explanation was given for the circumstances of Vilda’s departure or the financial terms of any possible separation.
A four-year contract now under scrutiny
When Jorge Vilda was hired in October 2023, a few weeks after winning the World Cup with Spain, his contract was for four seasons. The deal announced at the time was therefore due to run until 2027, the year of the next Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
That detail now takes on particular importance. If the terms of the deal have not changed since then, Vilda would have about a year remaining on his contract.
According to IUSPORT, the situation could lead to discussions about compensation. The Spanish outlet raised the possibility of a negotiated departure, but no amount has been made public, nor has Vilda announced any legal action.
The 45-year-old coach’s record was not entirely negative. Under his leadership, Morocco reached the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, losing to Nigeria after leading 2-0. The team also qualified for the 2027 World Cup. However, results in more recent competitions, including a fourth-place finish at the following Africa Cup of Nations, weakened his position.
While the contractual question remains unresolved, Éric Blahic has already taken charge of the Atlas Lionesses. The Frenchman is preparing, among other things, for two friendlies against Uzbekistan, scheduled for October 9 and 12 in Rabat.
The change of coach has therefore taken effect on the field. What remains to be seen is the terms on which the federation and Jorge Vilda will officially end their working relationship.
