# Columbus Crew sack coach Federico Higuaín for ‘man’s game’ jibe aimed at female referee

> **Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-09-23 11:00 UTC · Category: Sports

## Executive Summary
Columbus Crew sack coach Federico Higuaín following a controversial remark directed at a female referee.

## Intelligence Brief
The dismissal follows a specific incident involving a female referee officiating a match. During the encounter, the coach directed the phrase “this is a man’s game” toward the official, prompting immediate institutional action from the franchise. The Independent places strong emphasis on the familial connection of the individual involved, identifying him as the brother of Gonzalo Higuaín, alongside the exact wording of the remark that triggered the firing.


At this stage, coverage originates exclusively from this single outlet, leaving other potential reporting details unmentioned. The incident places a direct spotlight on how sports organizations handle remarks directed at female officials in competitive environments. Looking forward, coverage does not yet specify any subsequent statements from the coach, potential league-level disciplinary actions beyond the club termination, or the formal appointment of a replacement coach by the Columbus Crew.


Observers must monitor subsequent reporting from official club channels and sports news providers to track further developments.

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|
| The Columbus Dispatch | Crew fire former player Federico Higuain after alleged abuse of official | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi3AFBVV95cUxPTDV4a2pQX04xZXhNMFJFNlVOamgxX2kxUm11b3JUV0ptaDJaVzM2Nm92dDA3WUwzUlZrRFZyaHluc0tBM01Ia2hNRFpyUHBMc3VUejRUSmRJRFE2Um0xMDhheWk3d1RQU1F0VzUxX1MteFF4OUIwN09BZ3U0NU5FcFFCcGlvVFl0SE1ZM0VXdzR4TlR6MUlZNFNlWWlrZFJWQXp4bHpEZGpZQjJtYm1UREF5UVN4OFZnNWJjSUQzZjgwZ05zR1VpZnV5MDgtNnc2ZVEwN05NVTlRM0Fk?oc=5) |
| CNN | Columbus Crew reserve team coach fired after incident involving ‘physical abuse and sexism’ | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMifkFVX3lxTE9sSElIUVRCaFNkY2dXelBvaldOaEZZMURHbUZoYWsxR0V3ZVBJUnJkQ3dlY1F5NmJZVUlMdEllMHI0M2VIRFJmQUU1dDRKVnBfSGlrdjE4VlFEcjRaaHF4anAzRTlKb3N0ZjZ5NG53LVl6bXhBcmpvbGtwY1MzUQ?oc=5) |
| 10TV | Columbus Crew dismiss Crew 2 coach after incident with female referee | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi8wFBVV95cUxPVk5BSm8ybzg5VVZnREdVMGtCREJYUTNybjdFaGJxYmg4bWZGSG9NWEsxcHh1YmdNMno1aWZYS2wxZ29XZ2xKYVhzVjVXbkJ1X1diZms5M2V0cmFNVVZjbFBWTmdlazI4dFpBY2JJaFhlX3o1SzBPYXNxek9ielhJZE9jQ1ExcGZKT3UxSVpRUXdrTXNrTVVVbWxOSlBFdFVMbG52WmlzRjFrMTlHM05yTmxOU2I4ZzdnOG0wZkticE9COG00RG8wcEZpbndKOEptTUJGTEhHbXdvZEFmckhnWTdHbUpXMFJOQnB0ZWJZNHVrdFk?oc=5) |
| The Independent | Gonzalo Higuain’s brother sacked by MLS club after telling female referee ‘this is a man’s game’ | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuwFBVV95cUxNWGhGTzZ0eko3a0NEclgwWlJBTkdCTWRnVnZtU21TNnFSSjBodTh6NlJOR1FON3B4RkRjVHY1Rkpac0RxTXc4b3NHUUdKYzM4MC1ITTViYUxodDl1cVhNNU5ya0dYSERJS3NjX0pQaHpfLUM0aWJUaVdyRURPWlgyV1FiQ2ZvT0hxRW5Jb3hSZDZVU3JBUXpCSnBkLVphRUYyTTZWdEJNTVFkLWpUQndxVmZaMm1rTjJGZ2Q0?oc=5) |

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*Canonical Source: https://pulse.byoviral.com/trend/2026-09-23/columbus-crew-sack-coach-federico-higuain-for-man-s-game-jibe-aimed-at-female*