Columbus Crew 2 fires coach Federico Higuaín
Why it matters
The dismissal of Federico Higuaín from Columbus Crew 2 marks a significant moment in the MLS, highlighting growing expectations regarding the behavior of coaches and the fight against sexism in football. The incident has raised questions about MLS NEXT Pro disciplinary policies and the protection of female referees, underscoring the importance of an environment of respect and inclusion in soccer.
Key points
- Columbus Crew 2 fires coach Federico Higuaín.
- Columbus Crew 2 has decided to fire coach Federico Higuaín after an incident with a female referee, which sparked strong controversy in the world of football.
- Columbus Crew 2 fires head coach Federico Higuaín after incident with female referee - Yahoo Sports.
The club released an official statement, in which general manager Issa Tall said: "We have determined that it is in the best interests of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities. After having conversations this week and further evaluating over the past month, our Club's standards for what is expected of a leader for one of our teams have not been met."
The incident sparked a strong reaction from the Professional Match Directors' Association (PSRA), which criticized MLS NEXT Pro for giving Higuaín a two-match suspension, which was deemed insufficient given his serious behaviour. The regulations of the U.S. Soccer would see a suspension of at least three games for a "forced grab" like the one described in the report.
Higuaín, a former Argentine footballer who played for Columbus from 2012 to 2019, had already been subject to a suspension for the matches on August 30 and September 4, but the news was not made public until the controversy emerged. During the investigation conducted by MLS NEXT Pro, it emerged that the manager's behavior required further disciplinary measures in addition to the red card he received during the match.
In addition to the suspension, Higuaín would have to undergo a multi-session "recovery programme". However, as reported by ESPN, the coach showed a "lack of contrition" and did not issue a public apology to the referee. The incident also prompted a group of female referees to post messages of solidarity on social media, including well-known referee Tori Penso, who this summer became the first American woman to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.
The coach has a past as manager of Inter Miami II before joining Columbus Crew 2 in 2025. His departure raises questions about the culture and respect within professional football, particularly regarding the treatment of women in the industry.
What happens now
With the departure of Higuaín, Columbus Crew 2 will now have to look for a new coach who can lead the team effectively and respectfully. The situation could also lead to a review of disciplinary policies by the MLS and PSRA, to ensure similar behavior is not overlooked in the future. Football fans and observers expect a clear response and concrete measures to address the problem of sexism in football.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with Federico Higuaín?
Federico Higuaín was fired from Columbus Crew 2 after a controversial incident with a female referee during a match.
Who confirmed Higuaín's dismissal?
Higuaín's dismissal was confirmed by the club's general manager, Issa Tall.
Why was Higuaín fired now?
The dismissal came after the club assessed the conversations and events of last month, deeming that Higuaín had not met the standards required of a leader.
What changes have there been in the Columbus Crew since the accident?
After the incident, Columbus Crew 2 decided to fire Higuaín to protect the interests of the club, players and staff.
What was the reaction of the Association of Professional Race Directors?
The Association criticized MLS NEXT Pro for giving Higuaín only a two-match suspension, deeming it insufficient given the severity of the behavior.
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