Major League Soccer and its developmental circuits faced immediate scrutiny after the brother of former Inter Miami forward Gonzalo Higuaín was dismissed from his coaching position following sexist remarks directed at a match official. Federico Higuaín, who served as head coach of MLS Next Pro side Inter Miami II, was relieved of his duties following an investigation into language he used during a match.
The Incident and League Action
The controversy unfolded during an MLS Next Pro fixture when Federico Higuaín directed inappropriate comments toward a female referee. According to league officials, the remarks included the phrase translated as, “Don’t forget this is a men’s sport,” directed at the official during a disputed moment in the match. The league’s disciplinary review triggered swift administrative action, leading to his termination from the organization.
Inter Miami CF management confirmed the departure through a brief operational update, removing Higuaín from the technical area ahead of the club’s subsequent fixtures. The league office reiterated its zero-tolerance policy regarding abusive language, harassment, and gender-based discrimination directed at match officials across all sanctioned levels of competition in North America.
Context and Coaching Career
Federico Higuaín transitioned into coaching following an extensive playing career in Major League Soccer, where he represented clubs including Columbus Crew, D.C. United, and Inter Miami. He retired as an active player alongside his brother Gonzalo at the conclusion of the 2021 season, immediately joining the organization’s coaching infrastructure.
Before his dismissal, he had been ascending through the developmental ranks within the Florida club’s academy and reserve system, taking charge of Inter Miami II in MLS Next Pro. The sudden vacancy leaves the developmental side searching for interim technical leadership as the youth league schedule continues.
Broader Implications for Soccer Governance
The incident highlights ongoing efforts by North American soccer authorities to protect match officials from verbal abuse and discriminatory remarks. Referees across youth, developmental, and professional tiers have increasingly reported facing hostility on the pitch, prompting sports governing bodies to enforce stricter penalties for technical staff and players.
Legal and administrative frameworks within professional soccer leagues empower commissioners to suspend or terminate personnel for violations of codes of conduct. The prompt removal of Higuaín underscores how swiftly organizations now act when public-facing representatives breach antidiscrimination protocols.
Next Steps for the Club
Inter Miami II officials announced that interim coaching arrangements for the squad will be named ahead of their next scheduled fixture in the MLS Next Pro calendar. League administrators indicated that no further disciplinary hearings are pending regarding the specific incident, though educational initiatives for technical staff regarding respectful conduct remain ongoing.
Fans and league observers can monitor official MLS Next Pro announcements for updates on the permanent coaching appointment and upcoming match schedules.
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