Columbus Crew sack coach Federico Higuain over misconduct
MLS club Columbus Crew have sacked their reserve team coach Federico Higuain after he allegedly grabbed a female referee’s hand and told her “don’t forget this is a man’s game”, reports BritPanorama.
Higuain was sent off and handed a two-match suspension for the incident that took place during a Major League Soccer (MLS) Next Pro league match. The team confirmed his dismissal as part of their effort to uphold club standards.
The former manager, who is the brother of ex-Chelsea striker Gonzalo Higuain, has not publicly commented on the incident. Crew general manager Issa Tall stated: “We determined it’s in the best interest of our club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuain from his responsibilities.”
In light of the incident, the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) has criticized the league’s disciplinary actions, asserting that Higuain’s conduct warranted a stronger penalty. The PSRA remarked that a “forceful grab” should result in at least a three-match ban, expressing dissatisfaction with the league’s response, which they deemed inadequate.
The PSRA specifically condemned Higuain’s actions, describing them as “two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against a female official.” They added that “women make every level of this game better” and emphasized that no official should face intimidation or disrespect in their role.
Columbus Crew is also reportedly in the process of establishing a women’s team to compete in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) by 2028, demonstrating a commitment to expanding opportunities in women’s soccer. As part of this venture, the group will pay a significant expansion fee to join the league.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges regarding gender dynamics in sports, clearly illuminating the terrain where progress remains necessary. As football evolves, the recognition and respect for all officials will be paramount in sustaining the integrity of the game.
