# Columbus Crew fires coach over sexist jibe at referee

> Federico Higuaín was sacked after allegedly grabbing a female official's hand and telling her the sport is a man's game.
- Title: Columbus Crew fires coach over sexist jibe at referee
- Summary: Federico Higuaín was sacked after allegedly grabbing a female official's hand and telling her the sport is a man's game. MLS clubs are taking action against…
- Keywords: columbus crew, federico higuain, mls, female referee, sexism in sports, professional soccer referees association, mls next pro, coach fired, workplace harassment, sports, Columbus, Crew
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/23/columbus-crew-sack-coach-federico-higuain-for-mans-game-jibe-aimed-at-female-referee
- Author: Agencies
- Published: 2026-09-23T09:49:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: columbus crew, federico higuain, mls, female referee, sexism in sports, professional soccer referees association, mls next pro, coach fired, workplace harassment, sports
## Coach fired for referee incident
Columbus Crew sacked reserve-team coach Federico Higuaín after he allegedly grabbed a female referee's hand and said, 'Don't forget this is a man's game' during an MLS Next Pro match on August 23rd.

> Don't forget this is a man's game.
## Higuaín refused to release her hand
The coach allegedly squeezed the female official's hand and refused to let go after being told to stop three times. He was sent off during the match.
## Club cites leadership standards
General manager Issa Tall said the dismissal was necessary because the club's standards for leaders had not been met after assessing the past month.
## Referees' union says ban too light
The Professional Soccer Referees Association criticized MLS's two-match ban, saying a forceful grab and sexist remarks warrant a three-game suspension and called the response 'drastically short.'

> drastically short
## Union defends female officials
The PSRA stated that female officials deserve the same respect and safe working environment as male officials, and have proven their excellence at every level of the game.

> Women make every level of this game better.
## Higuaín's playing career at Crew
The 41-year-old former striker played in Argentina, Turkey, and Mexico before joining Columbus Crew, where he made over 200 appearances as a player.
## Key takeaway

MLS clubs are taking action against coaches who demean female officials, though the referees' union says punishments still fall short.