Refs union slams MLS Next Pro's handling of coach's 'physical abuse and sexism'
A refereeing organization said MLS Next Pro did not go far enough in its punishment of a manager who committed "acts of physical abuse and sexism."
The union for professional soccer referees in North America has criticized the handling of an incident involving physical abuse and sexism against a female referee by MLS Next Pro. The incident, which involved the head coach Federico Higuain, occurred during a match on August 23 between Columbus Crew 2 and Huntsville City. Higuain allegedly squeezed the female official's hand and refused to stop after being told to do so three times, and then made a sexist remark.
In response, MLS Next Pro suspended Higuain for two games and required him to participate in a multi-session restorative practices process. However, the referees' union found the punishment inadequate, citing the 2026 United States Soccer Federation Policy Manual. The Crew organization acknowledged the suspension and stated that they actively collaborated with MLS Next Pro throughout the review process.
Higuain, a former Columbus Crew midfielder and current coach of Columbus Crew 2, is a club legend with an impressive record of appearances and assists.
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