Columbus Crew Dismiss Reserve Coach After Sexist Remark to Female Referee
Columbus Crew fired reserve coach Federico Higuain after he refused to release a female referee’s hand and made a sexist comment.
In Brief
- •Columbus Crew fired reserve coach Federico Higuain after he refused to release a female referee’s hand and made a sexist comment.
- •Higuain was sent off and suspended for two matches during an MLS Next Pro match.
- •The club cited failure to meet leadership standards as the reason for dismissal.
- •The Professional Soccer Referees Association criticized the league’s response as inadequate.
- •The incident highlights ongoing concerns about sexism and harassment in professional soccer officiating.
Why It Matters
The dismissal underscores Major League Soccer’s stance on maintaining a respectful environment for officials, particularly women who face disproportionate scrutiny and harassment. It also signals to clubs that discriminatory conduct will not be tolerated, potentially influencing broader industry standards for coach behavior and referee protection.
Key Details
- Coach Name
- Federico Higuain
- Club
- Columbus Crew
- League
- MLS Next Pro
- Suspension Length
- 2 matches
- Incident Date
- 2026-09-24
Context & Background
MLS Next Pro is a professional soccer league in the United States that serves as a reserve competition for Major League Soccer clubs, providing a platform for developing players and staff.
Original Reporting & Sources
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