MLS Coach Sacked Over Sexist Remarks 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 an MLS NEXT Pro match.

Higuaín was accused of squeezing the referee’s hand during a post-match handshake and refusing to release it despite being asked to stop three times. He was also accused of telling the official, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”

The incident occurred after Crew 2’s match against Huntsville City FC on August 23. Higuaín was sent off and subsequently handed a two-match suspension following an investigation by MLS NEXT Pro.

The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) criticised the initial punishment, describing the two-game suspension as insufficient. The union said the incident involved both physical intimidation and a sexist remark against a female official.

Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall said the club decided to dismiss Higuaín after reviewing the circumstances and assessing its expectations for team leaders.

“We determined it’s in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities,” Tall said.

The club had initially accepted the league’s disciplinary measures and Higuaín had already served his two-match suspension before the dismissal.

Higuaín, 41, is the brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuaín. He previously enjoyed an eight-season playing career with Columbus Crew before moving into coaching.

The former midfielder became a prominent figure in the club’s history and later took charge of Crew 2, the club’s developmental team, in 2025.

The referees’ union said female officials should be able to work without intimidation or degrading treatment and called for greater accountability in handling incidents involving match officials.

The controversy has renewed discussion around the treatment of referees and the participation of women in professional football, with the PSRA stressing the need for a safe and respectful environment for officials at all levels of the game.