The Columbus Crew have dismissed their reserve coach Federico Higuaín , following an incident involving a female referee that was characterized as "sexist" by the Professional Soccer Referees Association.
After his Aug. 23 MLS NEXT PRO match, the 41-year-old Higuaín received a red card after refusing to release the female referee's hand despite being requested to do so on three occasions. "Don't forget, this is a man's game," he told her, according to a statement from the referees' union.
Higuaín was originally handed a two-match suspension - an extra game was added due to his red card - and was required to undergo restorative practice training. Now, the Crew has chosen to part ways with the man who appeared 193 times for their senior team from 2012 to 2019.
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This development arrives as international teams assemble for their first camps since the World Cup, though Christian Pulisic will be absent for the USMNT .
Columbus general manager Issa Tall clarified the decision in a recent statement. "We determined it's in the best interest of our club, players, and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities," he said, via The Mirror US .
"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."
A source told ESPN that the Crew was frustrated by a lack of "contrition" from Higuaín, the brother of longtime striker Gonzalo Higuaín .
The 41-year-old Argentine made his move to MLS in 2012, representing Columbus, DC United , and Inter Miami before transitioning into coaching in 2021.
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Since then, he has held roles with the Inter Miami academy, served as Inter Miami II assistant, progressed to Inter Miami II head coach, and led Columbus Crew 2 in 2025 and 2026.
The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) issued a strong condemnation of Higuaín's conduct. "A male head coach committed two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against a female official - squeezing her hand and refusing to let go after being told to stop three times," the statement read.
"This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official: 'Don't forget, this is a man's game.' 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."
Columbus Crew II wrapped up the campaign in fourth place in the season-long MLS NEXT PRO standings, accumulating 48 points across 28 matches.
