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The union for professional soccer referees in North America released a statement Sunday, Sept. 20 slamming MLS Next Pro, Major League Soccer’s second division, for its handling of an investigation and discipline over an incident between a team’s manager and a female referee.
Multiple media outlets, including Sportrac and ESPN reported that the coach in question is Federico Higuain, the former Columbus Crew midfielder who now coaches Columbus Crew 2.
“During a recent MLS NEXT Pro match, 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 reads. “This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official: ‘Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.'”
“MLS NEXT Pro investigated and responded with a two-game suspension and other non-suspension discipline.”
The incident allegedly occurred during an Aug. 23 visit to face Huntsville City, with Crew 2 conceding a late equalizer. Higuain can be seen speaking with the fourth official after the goal, but his post-match handshake with the referees is not visible on the broadcast.
He was not present on the bench for either of the next two matches, with assistant coach Chris Rogers listed as the manager and a suspension was referenced on both match broadcasts and called a “red-card suspension” during the second match.
In a statement, the Crew organization acknowledged its coach had been suspended and that the club “actively collaborated with MLS NEXT Pro throughout the review process and fully accepted the additional discipline issued in accordance with league policies.”
“Our club is dedicated to growing the game by creating environments where everyone is welcome and supported on and off the pitch, which is founded upon our values of respect, inclusivity and prioritizing people and culture first,” it continued in a statement. “We condemn any action or notion that contradicts our mission of uniting and uplifting all communities and genders through the global game.”
The referee organization says that the two-match ban was not harsh enough, citing the 2026 United States Soccer Federation Policy Manual.
However, a league statement provided to USA TODAY Sports said, “The league is confident in its process and the results.”
“MLS NEXT Pro immediately investigated the reported incident between the head coach and the female official. It was determined that the coach’s behavior violated League policies and warranted additional discipline beyond the red card that was issued in the moment,” the statement read. “He served a two-game suspension and is required to participate in a multi-session restorative practices process, which is already underway.”
The team’s supporters’ group, The CapyBrava, released a statement saying its position is that Higuain “must no longer be associated with the Crew organization in any capacity.”
Higuain’s brother, Gonzalo, reached more international acclaim as a player, but Federico became a Crew legend during an eight-year tenure with the club. He ranks fourth on the club’s all-time scoring chart, second in all-time assists and seventh all-time in appearances.
He played with D.C. United and Inter Miami after leaving the Crew, and started his coaching career with those clubs before signing on as the Crew 2 coach ahead of the 2025 season.