COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have dismissed Crew 2 head coach Federico Higuain, ending the former club legend’s second stint with the organization amid controversy.
The Crew announced Tuesday that Higuain had been dismissed from his duties, effective immediately. The announcement comes two days after the Professional Soccer Referee Association publicly criticized MLS NEXT Pro’s handling of an incident involving Higuain and a female match official.
Caleb Pongratz of Spotrac was the first to confirm that Higuain was the coach in question.
The incident occurred on Aug. 23 during Crew 2’s match against Huntsville City FC. According to the PSRA, Higuain squeezed a female official’s hand and kept holding it after being told three times to stop. The referees’ association also alleged that Higuain said, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”
MLS NEXT Pro investigated the incident and issued Higuain a two-game suspension, along with additional non-suspension discipline, including participation in a multi-session restorative practices process.
The league said the investigation determined that Higuain’s behavior violated league policies and warranted discipline beyond the red card issued during the match. MLS NEXT Pro also said it was confident in its process and the resulting punishment.
A Columbus Crew spokesperson told Massive Report, “The Crew actively collaborated with MLS NEXT Pro throughout the review process and fully accepted the additional discipline issued in accordance with league policies.
“Our Club is dedicated to growing the game by creating environments where everyone is welcome and supported on and off the pitch, which is founded upon our values of respect, inclusivity and prioritizing people and culture first. We condemn any action or notion that contradicts our mission of uniting and uplifting all communities and genders through the global game.”
The 41-year-old Argentine returned to Columbus in January 2025 when he was appointed Crew 2 head coach. Before that, he spent two seasons coaching Inter Miami CF II and helped the club reach the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs in 2024.
General Manager Issa Tall said in a statement, “We determined it’s in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuain from his responsibilities. After conversations this week and further assessing the past month, our Club’s standards of what’s expected from a leader for one of our teams have not been met.”
Duties will be split among the Crew 2 technical staff for the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, while the club completes a full-time head coach search.
