The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA), the union that represents MLS and USL referees, launched a scathing critique of MLS NEXT Pro over its handling of an incident in which a coach of an MLS NEXT Pro team committed what it described as "two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism towards a female referee."
Multiple sources tell ESPN that the coach in question is Columbus Crew 2 manager Federico Higuain.
In a social media post on BlueSky, which didn't reference Higuain by name, the PSRA said that the acts consisted of squeezing the hand of the official, and refusing to let go after being told "three times to stop." The post added: "This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official, 'Don't forget that this is a man's game.'"
Multiple sources told ESPN that the incident took place immediately following Crew 2's Aug. 23 match against Huntsville City FC, and occurred during the post-game handshake. Higuain was red carded for the incident.
MLS NEXT Pro investigated the incident, which resulted in Higuain being suspended for two games and ordered to take part in restorative practice training. A source added that Higuain has begun, but not yet completed, the training and has already served the two-game suspension.
At issue for the PSRA is that the punishments weren't severe enough. In its social media post, the PSRA said that U.S. Soccer policy mandates a minimum three-game suspension for a "forceful grab" and that acts of discrimination also require a minimum three-game suspension.
"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 PSRA's social media post read.
In a statement to ESPN, MLS NEXT Pro said the league "immediately investigated the reported incident between the head coach and the female official. It was determined that the coach's behavior violated League policies and warranted additional discipline beyond the red card that was issued in the moment. He served a two-game suspension and is required to participate in a multi-session restorative practices process, which is already underway. The program is intended to support the League's efforts to foster understanding, accountability, respect, and the restoration of relationships across the League. MLS NEXT Pro believes in the restorative approach. The League is confident in its process and the results."
The Crew also sent the following statement to ESPN: "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."
As for why a heavier punishment wasn't meted out, one source with knowledge of the league's thinking indicated that the league believes the minimum suspension spelled out in U.S. Soccer policies is a guideline and not mandatory.
The U.S. Soccer policy manual is explicit on the matter of penalties for assault towards referees. Policy 202-2 Section 2 of the U.S. Soccer Policy manual, dated May of 2026, states that "All Professional League Members shall adopt and enforce policies prohibiting misconduct against referees that meet the following minimum criteria."
The policy goes on to state that, "Any player, coach, manager, club official, or league official who commits an intentional act of physical violence at or upon a referee ('Referee Assault') shall be suspended without pay for a period of at least six consecutive matches (the "Assault Suspension"). The Assault Suspension shall commence with the first match after which the individual has been found to have committed this act."
Assault is defined in the U.S. Soccer Policy manual as including, but not limited to: "striking, kicking, choking, grabbing or bodily running into a referee; spitting on a referee with ostensible intent to do so; kicking or throwing an object at an official that could inflict injury; or damaging the referee's uniform or personal property (e.g., car, uniform, or equipment)."
The manual also states that "The Professional League Member may not provide for a penalty shorter than the Assault Suspension but may provide for a longer suspension and/or a fine."
The U.S. Soccer Policy manual goes on to state that the minimum suspension for referee abuse -- defined as "verbal and nonverbal communication which contains foul or abusive language and which implies or directly threatens physical harm; spewing a beverage on or spitting at a referee or the referee's personal property" -- is three games.
Caleb Pongratz of Spotrac was the first to report that Higuain was the coach involved in the incident.