MLS Coach Axed for Telling Female Ref 'It's a Man's Game'
The club said his conduct toward a female referee fell short of leadership standards after league discipline and backlash from referees and supporters.
- On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Columbus Crew fired Crew2 head coach Federico Higuain for cause following an internal review of his misconduct toward a female official during an August match.
- The Professional Soccer Referees Association reported that Higuain committed "deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism" against the official, including squeezing her hand and refusing to release it despite three requests to stop.
- During the incident, Higuain told the official, "Don't forget, this is a man's game," and the PSRA later criticized the league's initial two-game suspension as "too lenient" for such behavior.
- Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall stated the firing occurred because "standards of what's expected from a leader" were not met, while sources told ESPN that Higuain's "lack of contrition" and refusal to apologize contributed to the decision.
- Crew2 technical staff will manage coaching duties for the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs while the club searches for a permanent replacement, though the league's restorative practices process for Higuain remains underway.
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MLS coach axed for telling female ref 'It's a man's game'
Higuain, the brother of former Argentina and Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, had already received a red card and a two-match suspension for the incident before the team dismissed him. "We determined it's in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities," said Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall. "After conversations this week and further assessing the past month, our Club'…
The club made the decision after the Argentine technical director received a two-party suspension
Federico Higuain launched to a referee "do not forget that it is a sport of men".
MLS coach axed for telling female ref ‘It’s a man’s game’
Columbus Crew sacked Argentine reserve team coach Federico Higuain for telling a female referee “Don’t forget this is a man’s game” while refusing to release her from a handshake, the Major League Soccer club said Tuesday.
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