Major League Soccer outfit Columbus Crew have dismissed reserve-team head coach Federico Higuain following an incident involving a female match official during an MLS NEXT Pro fixture where he made certain comments described as sexist.

The former Columbus Crew midfielder was sent off during a match against Huntsville City FC on August 23, after an altercation with the referee. He was subsequently handed a two-match suspension by MLS NEXT Pro.

According to the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA), Higuain squeezed the female official’s hand during a post-match interaction and refused to release it after she allegedly told him to stop three times.

The incident was then compounded by a remark directed at the referee. The PSRA said Higuain told her: “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”

The referees’ union described the conduct as involving both physical intimidation and sexism, and later criticised MLS NEXT Pro’s disciplinary response.

Higuain, 41, had been serving as head coach of Crew 2, Columbus’ developmental side competing in MLS NEXT Pro.

He is also the brother of former Argentina international and Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain. Federico previously spent eight seasons as a player with Columbus Crew and made more than 200 appearances for the club.

Columbus ultimately decided to end his tenure after reviewing the incident and assessing his conduct over the preceding month.

Columbus Crew’s general manager Issa Tall confirmed the decision and said “we determined it’s in the best interest of our club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuain from his responsibilities.“

He added that “after conversations this week and further assessing the past month, our club’s standards of what’s expected from a leader for one of our teams have not been met.”

Referees’ Union Challenges Initial Punishment

The PSRA’s criticism centred largely on the two-match suspension imposed by MLS NEXT Pro. The union argued that the punishment did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the conduct described in its statement.

“A male head coach committed two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against a female official – squeezing her hand and refusing to let go after being told to stop three times. This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official: ‘Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.'”
Professional Soccer Referees Association

The union further argued that the punishment fell “drastically short” and pointed to U.S. Soccer guidelines, which it said call for a minimum three-game suspension for a “forceful grab” and for acts of discrimination. It also noted that MLS NEXT Pro’s own rules hold coaches to a higher professional standard than players.

MLS NEXT Pro said it had investigated the incident and determined that Higuain’s behaviour violated league policies. In addition to the two-game suspension, the league required him to participate in a multi-session restorative practices programme designed to address accountability, respect and relationships within the league.

The PSRA, however, maintained that female officials should be able to work without intimidation or discriminatory treatment. “Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it,” the union said. “Our female officials have proven their excellence on the world stage. They deserve the same respect, dignity, and safe working environment as every other official.”

Following Higuain’s dismissal, Columbus Crew said their technical staff would assume additional responsibilities for Crew 2 during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs while the club begins its search for a permanent replacement.