European football’s governing body, UEFA, has imposed a ban on former Premier League referee David Coote, prohibiting him from any officiating activity until June 2026.
The decision follows a series of incidents that UEFA’s control, ethics, and disciplinary body deemed to have brought the sport and the organization into disrepute.
Coote, 42, was dismissed by Premier League Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) in December after a video surfaced showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and the club’s former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
The controversy intensified when a separate video appeared, allegedly recorded during the Euro 2024 tournament, showing Coote snorting a white powder.
PGMOL stated that these actions constituted a severe breach of his employment contract and rendered his position “untenable.”
In a statement released last week, UEFA confirmed the ban, citing Coote’s violation of “the basic rules of decent conduct” and the subsequent damage to the reputation of football. The governing body emphasized its commitment to maintaining high ethical standards within the sport.
Coote’s fall from grace has been swift and dramatic. In January, the former referee publicly came out as gay in an interview, revealing that years of struggling to conceal his sexuality had contributed to poor decisions in his personal and professional life.
Reflecting on the controversies, Coote expressed remorse, saying he was “truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions.” He acknowledged the negative impact of his behavior on the integrity of the game and the officiating community.
PGMOL, the organization responsible for managing referees in English football, issued a statement at the time of Coote’s dismissal, underscoring the importance of professionalism and integrity among its officials. “The conduct displayed was in direct conflict with the values we uphold,” a PGMOL spokesperson stated.
Coote’s career as a Premier League referee had spanned nearly a decade, during which he officiated numerous high-profile matches.
However, his tenure was not without controversy, with several decisions on the field often attracting criticism from players, managers, and fans alike. The recent scandals have only served to cement his departure from the sport.
The ban from UEFA effectively ends any chance of Coote returning to officiating at the highest levels of European football until at least mid-2026. Observers within the football community have noted that such a lengthy suspension could signal the end of his career entirely.
Meanwhile, discussions around mental health and the pressures faced by match officials have gained traction following Coote’s revelations. Advocates have called for more comprehensive support systems for referees dealing with the intense scrutiny and stress associated with officiating top-flight football.
As the football world absorbs the fallout from the scandal, questions remain about the broader implications for refereeing standards and the measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. UEFA’s firm stance on the matter appears to be a clear message that breaches of conduct will not be tolerated at any level of the game.
