MLS coach sacked over sexist remarks to female referee

Major League Soccer (MLS) club Columbus Crew has terminated the contract of their reserve team coach Federico Higuaín following an incident involving a female referee. Higuaín, brother of former Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuaín, was dismissed from his role as head coach of Crew 2, the club's MLS NEXT Pro side. The dismissal came after Higuaín was sent off and suspended for two matches due to his actions during a match against Huntsville City FC on August 23.

During the post-match handshake, Higuaín allegedly squeezed the female official's hand, repeatedly refusing to let go despite being asked multiple times to stop. Higuaín reportedly said to the referee, "Don't forget, this is a man's game." Crew general manager Issa Tall announced that the decision to dismiss Higuaín was made in the best interest of the club, players, and staff.

The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) had criticized the initial two-game ban as inadequate, stating that the league's action fell "drastically short." The PSRA emphasized the serious nature of Higuaín's actions, which included physical abuse and sexist remarks towards a female official. They highlighted that women make every level of the game better and deserve respect, dignity, and a safe working environment.

Higuaín had returned to coaching duties after serving the ban and completing a required restorative practices process. The Crew 2 technical staff will now manage coaching responsibilities during the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro playoffs while the club searches for a permanent replacement.