Major League Soccer club, Columbus Crew, has officially terminated the contract of its reserve team coach, Federico Higuaín, following a series of disturbing incidents. Higuaín, the older brother of former Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuaín, served as the head coach of Crew 2, the club's developmental side competing in the MLS NEXT Pro league. His dismissal comes after a sexist remark and unacceptable physical conduct towards a female referee during a match against Huntsville City FC on August 23.
The incident occurred during the customary post-match handshakes, where Higuaín reportedly squeezed the female referee's hand and aggressively refused to let go despite being told to stop three separate times. He then directed a demeaning comment at her, saying "Don't forget, this is a man's game." This behavior led to Higuaín being sent off and initially handed a two-match suspension for his conduct towards the match official. However, the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) heavily criticized the league's initial punishment, arguing that it fell drastically short of what was required for two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism.
The PSRA forcefully defended female officials in a public statement, insisting that women make every level of the sport better and should never have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove their worth. The union emphasized that female officials have proven their excellence on the world stage and deserve the same respect, dignity, and safe working environment as every other official. Higuaín had returned to the sideline after serving his initial ban and completing part of a required restorative process, but Columbus Crew ultimately decided to sever ties entirely.
Crew General Manager Issa Tall released a statement confirming the dismissal, explaining that the club expects a high standard of leadership from its coaches, which Higuaín completely failed to meet. Tall stated that it's in the best interest of the club, players, and support staff to dismiss Higuaín from his responsibilities. The Crew 2 technical staff will now manage coaching duties during the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro playoffs as the club searches for a permanent replacement.
The incident and subsequent punishment have sparked a wider conversation about respect and safety for referees, particularly female officials, in the sport. The PSRA's public statement highlights the need for a safer and more respectful environment for all officials, and the importance of holding coaches and players accountable for their behavior. Columbus Crew's decision to terminate Higuaín's contract sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Higuaín's dismissal has also raised questions about the role of coaches and leaders in promoting a positive and respectful culture within sports teams. As a coach, Higuaín was expected to set an example and promote a positive team culture, but his actions fell far short of those expectations. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership and accountability in sports.
The search for a permanent replacement for Higuaín is underway, and Columbus Crew will be looking for a coach who can promote a positive and respectful team culture. The club's decision to terminate Higuaín's contract demonstrates its commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all players, staff, and officials.
Key points
- Columbus Crew terminated Federico Higuaín's contract due to his sexist remarks and physical intimidation towards a female referee.
- The Professional Soccer Referees Association criticized the league's initial two-game suspension, arguing that it was insufficient for Higuaín's actions.
- The incident highlights the need for a safer and more respectful environment for referees, particularly female officials, in sports.
