Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew have sacked their reserve-team coach, Federico Higuaín, after an incident in which he allegedly refused to release a female referee’s hand and made a sexist remark during an MLS NEXT Pro match.
Mr Higuaín, the brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuaín, was dismissed as head coach of Crew 2 after previously receiving a red card and a two-match suspension over the incident.
The incident occurred after Crew 2’s August 23 match against Huntsville City FC.
According to reports, Mr Higuaín squeezed the female official’s hand during the post-match handshake and refused to let go after being told three times to stop.
He was also quoted as telling the referee: “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”
The Professional Soccer Referees Association described the conduct as involving physical abuse and sexism against a female official.
Columbus crew explains decision
Columbus Crew General Manager Issa Tall said the club decided to dismiss Mr Higuaín after reviewing the incident and assessing the standards expected of its team leaders.
“We determined it’s in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities,” Mr Tall said.
He added that the club’s standards for leadership had not been met following further conversations and its assessment of the preceding month.
Referees’ union criticises initial ban
The Professional Soccer Referees Association had earlier criticised the initial two-match suspension imposed on Mr Higuaín, describing it as inadequate.
The union said the coach had allegedly committed “two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism” by squeezing the referee’s hand and refusing to release it after being instructed to stop.
It said the physical conduct was compounded by what it described as a demeaning, sexist comment.
The association argued that female officials should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments while performing their duties.
Higuaín had returned to touchline
Mr Higuaín had already served the two-match suspension and completed part of a required restorative-practices process before Columbus Crew decided to terminate his employment.
The club said the Crew 2 technical staff would handle coaching responsibilities during the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro playoffs while it searches for a permanent replacement.
The dismissal has brought renewed attention to standards of conduct toward female officials in professional football.
The incident also highlights the broader issue of respect and safety for referees, particularly women working in competitions where they may face hostility or discrimination from players, coaches or other participants. The referees’ union has maintained that female officials should receive the same respect, dignity and safe working environment as other match officials.
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