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Federico Higuain, the brother of former Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain (Reuters Photo)
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Moneycontrol•24-09-2026, 12:14
Football Coach Sacked for Sexist Remark, Physical Altercation with Female Official
  • •Columbus Crew dismissed reserve team coach Federico Higuain after he made a sexist remark and engaged in a physical altercation with a female referee.
  • •Higuain reportedly told the official, "Don't forget, this is a man's game," and squeezed her hand, refusing to let go.
  • •The incident occurred during an MLS NEXT Pro match on August 23, leading to Higuain's initial two-match suspension.
  • •Columbus Crew General Manager Issa Tall stated that Higuain's conduct did not meet the club's standards for a leader.
  • •The Professional Soccer Referees Association criticized the initial suspension as insufficient, advocating for harsher penalties against intimidation and discrimination.

Key Questions Answered

Federico Higuain was dismissed by Columbus Crew following accusations that he made a sexist remark and engaged in a physical altercation with a female referee during an MLS NEXT Pro match.

According to the Professional Soccer Referees Association, Higuain told the female official, "Don't forget, this is a man's game," after squeezing her hand and refusing to let go.

The referees' union criticized Higuain's initial two-match suspension as insufficient and actively called for a harsher sanction against him.