COLUMBUS CREW SACK COACH AFTER SEXIST REMARK TO FEMALE REFEREE

Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew have dismissed reserve-team head coach Federico Higuain following an incident involving a female referee during an MLS NEXT Pro match. Higuain, 41, was accused of grabbing the official’s hand during a post-match handshake and refusing to release it despite being asked to stop. The incident occurred after Crew 2’s match against Huntsville City FC on August 23.

The Professional Soccer Referees Association said Higuain also made a sexist comment to the referee, telling her, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.” The referees’ union described the incident as involving physical intimidation and sexism, and criticised the initial punishment imposed by MLS NEXT Pro. Higuain received a red card and was subsequently handed a two-match suspension.

The Columbus Crew initially accepted the league’s disciplinary action, while MLS NEXT Pro said its investigation found that Higuain’s conduct violated league policies. The coach was also required to participate in a multi-session restorative practices programme intended to address accountability, respect and relationships within the league. The referees’ association, however, argued that the two-game suspension was insufficient and called for the handling of the matter to be reconsidered.

Following further discussions and a review of the circumstances, Columbus Crew decided to terminate Higuain’s role. General manager Issa Tall said the club determined that dismissing the coach was in the best interests of the club, its players and support staff, adding that Higuain had not met the standards expected of a leader within the organisation. The club did not detail the incident in its dismissal statement but confirmed that his responsibilities had been ended.

Higuain, the older brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, joined the Columbus Crew coaching setup after a long playing career that included eight seasons with the club. He was appointed head coach of Crew 2 in January 2025 after previously playing for the team between 2012 and 2019. The reserve side, which competes in MLS NEXT Pro, will now be managed by its existing coaching staff while the club searches for a permanent replacement.