A handshake that should have ended a soccer match instead became the starting point for a much bigger controversy. Federico Higuain, the former Columbus Crew star who later took charge of the club’s reserve side, found himself at the center of scrutiny after an Aug. 23 MLS NEXT Pro match.
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What followed was a red card, a two-game suspension, criticism from the referees’ union, and, eventually, the Crew’s dismissal of him.
“Referees are essential to our game. U.S. Soccer stands with referees at every level. Abuse, discrimination, and behavior that demeans or disrespects a match official have no place in soccer. Women have an essential place in refereeing, and every referee deserves to be safe, respected, and supported on and off the field. We will continue investing in the development, advancement, and protection of referees and building a culture that recognizes the fundamental role they play in our game. Their safety, dignity and opportunity matter. #RespectTheCall”
The message arrived as the handling of Higuain’s actions had already drawn criticism from the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA), which represents referees working across MLS and USL competitions. The union argued that the punishment handed down by MLS NEXT Pro did not adequately reflect the seriousness of what happened.
The incident unfolded immediately after Columbus Crew 2’s meeting with Huntsville City FC. According to the PSRA, Higuain squeezed a female referee’s hand during the postgame handshake and continued holding it despite being asked to let go three times. The union also said he told her, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”
Higuain was shown a red card for the incident. MLS NEXT Pro subsequently investigated and issued a two-game suspension while also requiring the 41-year-old to participate in restorative practice training. He has already served the suspension, with the training process still underway, according to a source cited by ESPN.
But the PSRA believed the response did not go far enough.
The union described the incident as involving “two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against a female official,” arguing that the league’s punishment “falls drastically short.”
The PSRA also pointed toward U.S. Soccer’s disciplinary framework in their statement, citing that the policy calls for at least three games when a forceful grab is involved and a minimum punishment for discriminatory conduct.
“The League’s response falls drastically short of the right message to the participants, the referees, and the public. It needs to be reevaluated,” the union said.
MLS NEXT Pro, however, stood by its process. The league said it had immediately investigated the incident and determined that Higuain’s behavior violated its policies. It maintained that the red card was followed by additional discipline and a multi-session restorative process intended to promote accountability, understanding, and respect.
The disciplinary framework itself adds another layer to the debate. U.S. Soccer amended its Policy 202-2 on Gross Misconduct Against Match Officials in February 2026. The revised rules categorize misconduct by severity and consider factors including the nature, speed, and duration of the behavior. Medium or medium-plus force can bring a minimum three-game suspension, while lower-level force can result in two games when mitigating factors are present.
The policy also identifies a “forceful grab” as medium force or higher. Yet MLS NEXT Pro counted Higuain’s red-card suspension toward the overall punishment, leaving him with one additional game. A league spokesperson did not explain why the incident was not classified as a forceful grab.
And then came the Crew’s decision.
The Crew sack Federico Higuain
General manager Issa Tall confirmed that Columbus had parted ways with Higuain: “We determined it’s in the best interest of our club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuain from his responsibilities.”
Tall added that, after conversations and a further review of the previous month, the club concluded Higuain did not meet its expectations for a leader. ESPN also reported a source that described the club as frustrated by what it considered a lack of “contrition” from Higuain.
The dismissal ends a notable chapter for a player who once helped shape Columbus’ history. Higuain spent seven of his 18 playing years with the Crew, making 193 appearances between 2012 and 2019. He later moved into coaching in 2021, working with Inter Miami in several roles before joining Columbus last year.
Now, his departure has become part of a wider conversation about how soccer handles misconduct toward officials. With the PSRA demanding greater accountability and U.S. Soccer reiterating its commitment to referee safety, the incident has placed the treatment of match officials firmly under the spotlight.