UEFA has launched an investigation into suspended Premier League referee David Coote following allegations of misconduct during Euro 2024. The controversy stems from a video published by “The Sun,” purportedly showing Coote snorting a white substance while on duty.
Coote, 42, was initially suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) on Monday after an earlier video surfaced on social media. The first video allegedly depicted Coote making disparaging comments about Liverpool Football Club and their former manager Jürgen Klopp.
In response, UEFA removed Coote from his scheduled role as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for this week’s UEFA Nations League matches. However, the situation escalated when a second video, published by “The Sun” on Wednesday, reportedly showed Coote snorting a substance in a UEFA-appointed hotel on July 6, a day after serving as support VAR for the Portugal vs. France quarterfinal.
According to “The Sun”, the video was filmed by Coote himself and shared via WhatsApp to a friend. UEFA confirmed on Thursday that it had initiated an investigation into a possible violation of its regulations.
In a statement, UEFA said: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by the referee, Mr. David Coote. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”
PGMOL also acknowledged the allegations brought forth by the second video. A spokesperson said:
“We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”
The revelations have cast a shadow over Coote’s career, with both UEFA and PGMOL treating the matter with grave seriousness. As the investigation unfolds, Coote’s future in officiating remains uncertain, while questions about the integrity of refereeing at the highest levels of football continue to circulate.
Melissa Enoch
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