MLS coach sacked over sexist remarks to female referee

Columbus Crew have dismissed their reserve team coach Federico Higuaín following an incident at the end of a match between their team and Huntsville City FC on August 23. Higuaín, who is the brother of former Real Madrid and Argentina star Gonzalo Higuaín, was sanctioned with a two-match suspension after being sent off for his behavior during the post-match handshake.

The incident saw Higuaín refusing to release a female referee's hand despite being asked to stop multiple times. The Columbus Crew's general manager, Issa Tall, stated that they deemed it in the best interest of their club, players and staff to dismiss Higuaín from his responsibilities. The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) criticized the league's initial two-game ban as insufficient, arguing that the head coach's actions constituted deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against a female official.

In their statement, the referees' union emphasized that women make every level of the game better and should be treated with respect, dignity, and provided a safe working environment. Higuaín had previously returned to the sideline after serving his ban and completing part of a required restorative practices process. The Crew 2 technical staff will assume coaching duties during the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro playoffs while the club searches for a permanent replacement.