{
  "id": 9299879,
  "title": "MLS coach sacked over sexist remarks to female referee",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/mls-coach-sacked-over-sexist-remarks-to-female-referee",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T08:22:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/mls-coach-sacked-over-sexist-remarks-to-female-referee/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Columbus Crew have sacked their reserve team coach, Federico Higuaín, after he made sexist remarks and refused to release a female referee’s hand. Read More: https://punchng.com/mls-coach-sacked-over-sexist-remarks-to-female-referee/",
  "key_points": [
    "Columbus Crew dismiss Federico Higuaín head coach over sexist remarks to female referee.",
    "Higuaín suspended for two matches after refusing to release referee's hand."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "MLS coach sacked over sexist remarks to female referee",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/mls-coach-sacked-over-sexist-remarks-to-female-referee-9300777",
        "published": "2026-09-23T08:40:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}