Morocco Replaces Women’s Soccer Coach Pedros After Historic World Cup Run

Pedros did not hide his bitterness after Vilda’s appointment. "The book closes and I am very disappointed not to continue my mission with the A team of Morocco. But I am very proud to have placed this team at the top of the world," he posted on X (formerly Twitter). "The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has requested the services of Spanish coach Jorge Vilda Rodríguez to coach the women’s national "A" team, replacing Mr. Reynald Pedros," the Moroccan Federation announced in a statement on Thursday.

Moroccan supporters did not understand the FRMF’s decision to fire Pedros, who managed to lead the Atlas Lionesses to the round of 16 in their first World Cup appearance, and criticized the appointment of the Madrid coach on social media, after his dismissal by the Spanish Federation following the Rubiales affair. The former Spanish coach also testified this week before the Audiencia Nacional as an accused, reports La Razón.

Jorge Vilda, 42, was the coach of the Spanish women’s team that won the World Cup in August. He was recruited on the recommendation of the Spanish Federation (RFEF) and will be presented tomorrow Sunday by the Moroccan Federation and will sign a four-year contract, with the mission of qualifying the Atlas Lionesses for the next World Cup.