Federico Higuaín, head coach of Columbus Crew 2, is at the centre of a growing controversy involving a female match official and allegations of physical abuse and sexism.
The Professional Soccer Referees Association has publicly condemned MLS NEXT Pro for what it describes as an inadequate punishment handed to Higuaín following the incident.
The PSRA released a statement on social media on Sunday, disclosing that a male MLS NEXT Pro head coach had committed deliberate acts against a female official during a recent match.
According to the association, the coach forcefully squeezed the hand of the official and refused to let go even after being told to stop on three separate occasions.
The incident was compounded by a sexist remark directed at the official, with the PSRA statement quoting the coach as saying: “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”
PSRA president Peter Manikowski confirmed the coach involved was Higuaín, a former Argentine midfielder who spent eight seasons playing for Columbus Crew before returning as Crew 2’s head coach in 2025.
The confrontation reportedly took place after Columbus Crew 2’s August 23 match against Huntsville City FC, following the final whistle after regulation and injury time had concluded.
Higuaín received a red card at the time and was subsequently handed a two-game suspension by MLS NEXT Pro, along with a requirement to complete restorative-practice training.
The PSRA argued this punishment fell well short of what U.S. Soccer guidelines demand, citing the 2026 U.S. Soccer Federation Policy Manual in support of their position.
Under those guidelines, a forceful grab carries a minimum three-game suspension, while acts of discrimination require an additional minimum three-game suspension on top of the initial ban.
MLS NEXT Pro issued a statement to ESPN defending its response, saying it “immediately investigated the reported incident between the head coach and the female official.”
The league confirmed that the coach’s behaviour “violated League policies and warranted additional discipline beyond the red card that was issued in the moment,” and said a restorative practices process was already underway.
One source with knowledge of the league’s thinking indicated that MLS NEXT Pro views the U.S. Soccer minimum suspension guidelines as advisory rather than mandatory, explaining why a heavier ban was not applied.
The PSRA rejected that position firmly, stating: “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 association also issued a broader statement of support for female officials, declaring: “Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it.”
The fallout from the incident has now spread well beyond MLS NEXT Pro, drawing criticism from professional referees across North American sports, including the NBA.
The PSRA, which represents referees across MLS, the NWSL, and the USL, made clear it would continue to push for accountability and stronger protections for all match officials.
The post Professional Soccer Referees Association Condemns MLS NEXT Pro Over Federico Higuaín Suspension Length appeared first on Gooner Daily.
