The Columbus Crew have terminated the contract of Federico Higuaín, their reserve team coach, following a brazen display of sexism and physical aggression toward a female referee during an MLS NEXT Pro match. The incident, which unfolded during a competitive fixture in the developmental league, involved Higuaín deliberately squeezing the official’s hand despite repeated instructions to release her, before delivering the dismissive remark: “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”
The club’s decision to dismiss Higuaín—brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuaín—was announced after an internal review concluded that his actions violated the Crew’s core values. General Manager Issa Tall confirmed the termination, stating that the club’s standards for leadership had not been met. Higuaín had already faced disciplinary action, including a red card and a two-match suspension, for the same incident before the Crew chose to sever ties entirely. The referees’ association had previously detailed the severity of the offense, noting two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexist language directed at the official.
The confrontation underscores a broader conversation about respect in football, particularly in lower-tier competitions where professionalism can sometimes be overshadowed by intensity. While Higuaín’s playing career with the Crew spanned 2012 to 2019—during which he established himself as a key forward—the incident has cast a shadow over his coaching tenure. His refusal to acknowledge accountability or offer a public apology further contributed to the club’s decision, as sources close to the matter revealed.
The Crew’s statement emphasised the importance of inclusivity, noting that women enhance every level of the game and should not endure intimidation to prove their place in it. The dismissal follows a growing trend in MLS of clubs prioritising cultural accountability, particularly as the league continues to expand its professional development frameworks. For Higuaín, the fallout serves as a stark reminder that leadership in football demands more than tactical acumen—it requires unwavering respect for the game’s most fundamental principles.
