The Columbus Crew has announced the firing of Crew 2 manager Federico Higuain, effective immediately, following his suspension by MLS Next Pro for comments he made toward a female referee.
"We determined it's in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities," said Crew general manager Issa Tall in prepared statement. "After conversations this week and further assessing the past month, our Club's standards of what's expected from a leader for one of our teams have not been met," The Crew's statement added that for the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, the Crew 2 technical staff will assume additional responsibilities ahead of the Club's search for a full-time head coach for the side.
According to ESPN, Higuain was suspended for two games following an Aug. 23 incident that involved him refusing to let go of the hand of a female referee during the post-game handshake, despite being asked three times to do so.
Higuain also told the referee: "Don't forget that this is a man's game."
Higuain was red carded for the incident. In addition to the two-game suspension, he was also was ordered to undergo restorative practice training, sources told ESPN.
The Professional Soccer Referees Association came out strongly against what the organization believed was a shortened suspension by MLS NEXT Pro.
"The League's response falls drastically short of the right message to the participants, the referees, and the public. It needs to be reevaluated," the association said. "Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it. Our female officials have proven their excellence on the world stage. They deserve the same respect, dignity, and safe working environment as every other official."
ESPN reported that the Crew wasn't satisfied with Higuain's response to the incident, saying there was a "lack of contrition" on his part, that he refused to issue a public apology to the female referee, and that there was an overall lack of accountability on the part of its second-team coach.
