MLS Club Sacks Coach Federico Higuaín Over Sexist Remark to Female Referee
Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew have dismissed their reserve-team coach, Federico Higuaín, following an incident involving a female referee during a match last month. Higuaín, a former Columbus player and brother of ex-Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuaín, was in charge of Crew 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side. The incident occurred after the team’s August 23 fixture against Huntsville City FC, when Higuaín was reportedly sent off following his conduct toward the match official. During the post-match handshake, he was accused of squeezing the female referee’s hand and refusing to release it despite being asked to do so three times. He was also accused of making a sexist comment, reportedly telling the official, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.” Higuaín subsequently received a two-match suspension. Columbus Crew General Manager Issa Tall said the club had reviewed the incident and determined that Higuaín had not met the standards expected of someone leading one of its teams. The club therefore decided to end his responsibilities with immediate effect.
The Professional Soccer Referees Association had earlier criticised the initial two-match suspension, describing the punishment as insufficient given the nature of the incident. The referees’ union said the official had been subjected to physical intimidation and a degrading remark, while stressing that female officials should be able to work without facing harassment or disrespect. Higuaín had already returned to the sideline after serving the suspension and completing part of a restorative-practices programme before the Crew made the decision to dismiss him. Following his departure, the Crew 2 technical staff will oversee the team during the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro playoffs while the club begins its search for a permanent replacement. The Columbus organisation said its decision followed further discussions and a review of the circumstances surrounding the incident and Higuaín’s conduct.
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