Markel Zubizarreta has been confirmed as Spain’s new director of women’s football, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have confirmed.
The role is Zubizarreta’s first since leaving Barcelona Women in September of this year.
A statement read: “Markel Zubizarreta will be, from today, the new director of women’s football of the RFEF, a decision which is part of a profound restructuring to promote this department.
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“Zubizarreta, with a highly extensive trajectory in this field, will direct the department which has worked for the consolidation and development of women’s football in Spain, achieving successes and triumphs in all categories.”
Zubizarreta was previously the sporting director at Barcelona Women. He first joined them in 2015, becoming the team’s sporting manager before becoming sporting director in the summer of 2017.
Since his change of role, the team excelled, winning four league titles and two Champions Leagues among numerous other trophies.
Spain have been without a sporting director since Jorge Vilda, who was also head coach, was relieved of his duties at the beginning of September.
His departure came following the fallout after RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony at Stadium Australia after Spain’s victory over England.
After Rubiales reaffirmed on August 25 that he would not step down from his position despite the Hermoso incident, Vilda received a standing ovation at the RFEF assembly. In response, Rubiales committed to offering Vilda a new four-year contract.
Vilda, 42, had successfully guided Spain to winning the Women’s World Cup in August after a 1-0 victory against England.
Montse Tome replaced Vilda as head coach and will lead the side for the final two games of the Nations League group stage, against Italy and Sweden, next month.
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(Photo: Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images)
