The Professional Soccer Referees Association is not holding back, and honestly, who can blame them? They’re coming out swinging against MLS NEXT Pro, saying a recent two-game suspension for a head coach who allegedly told a female referee that soccer ‘is a man’s game’ was flat-out too short. It’s got referees across the sport fuming, and it puts the league’s commitment to respect and safety under a huge microscope.
Physical Abuse and Sexism: The Ugly Details
Sunday, the PSRA dropped a statement on social media laying out some pretty ugly allegations. During an MLS NEXT Pro match, an unnamed male head coach reportedly committed two deliberate acts against a female official. We’re talking about him forcefully shaking her hand, refusing to let go even after being told to stop three times. As if that physical intimidation wasn’t enough, the coach then hit her with a demeaning, sexist remark: “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.” Seriously, in 2026?
Multiple reports confirm the coach in question is Federico Higuaín of Columbus Crew 2, the second-tier affiliate for MLS’s Columbus Crew. A statement from the Crew shared with multiple outlets seems to back that up. This incident reportedly went down after Crew 2’s loss to Huntsville City FC on August 23. It’s a jaw-dropping situation that should make anyone who cares about the game shake their head.
A Slap on the Wrist? Refs Say It’s Not Enough
So, what was the league’s response? The PSRA, which represents North American referees in MLS, NWSL, and USL, alleges that MLS NEXT Pro suspended Higuaín for two games after their investigation. He reportedly sat out Crew 2’s games on August 30 and September 4, though the suspension wasn’t publicly announced. MLS NEXT Pro stated they “immediately investigated the reported incident” and determined the coach’s behavior “warranted additional discipline beyond the red card” he received. They also required Higuaín to take a “multi-session restorative practice” training, which he’s started but hasn’t finished. The league is “confident” in the training, saying it supports efforts to foster understanding and respect.
But here’s where the PSRA draws a line in the sand. They argue that U.S. Soccer guidelines clearly state a “forceful grab” like this should trigger a minimum three-game suspension. The league’s response, they say, “falls drastically short of the right message to the participants, the referees, and the public. It needs to be reevaluated.” This isn’t just about one incident, it’s about the standard being set. Women are making every level of this game better, on the world stage even, and they absolutely should not have to deal with intimidation or degrading comments to prove their excellence. They deserve the same respect and safe environment as any other official.
This isn’t going away. The PSRA is pushing for MLS NEXT Pro to reevaluate their decision and send a clear message. The dignity and safety of officials, especially women, are on the line, and the league needs to show it takes that seriously.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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