UEFA has launched a formal investigation into English referee David Coote following a viral video that allegedly shows him engaging in inappropriate behavior.
The decision to assign an ethics and disciplinary inspector was announced on Thursday, marking a serious response by Europe’s soccer governing body after already suspending the 42 year old official earlier this week.
Alleged Misconduct Captured on Video
The controversy surrounding David Coote escalated after The Sun published footage purportedly showing him snorting a white powder while working as a match official during Euro 2024. This video follows another incident that also raised eyebrows when Coote was allegedly caught verbally abusing Liverpool and its former manager, Jurgen Klopp. The rapid spread of these videos has prompted a multi-faceted investigation into Coote’s conduct on both domestic and international fronts.
Suspensions from PGMOL and the FA
Prior to UEFA’s action, Coote had already faced immediate suspension from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the English refereeing body, which stated they were treating the allegations with “the utmost seriousness.” PGMOL’s move was followed by England’s Football Association (FA), which also announced its own investigation, heightening scrutiny on Coote’s past behavior and raising broader concerns about standards within refereeing ranks.
Growing Concerns Over Officiating Standards
These allegations, if proven, could have severe consequences for David Coote’s career and reputation and may prompt UEFA, the FA, and PGMOL to revisit their policies for vetting and supporting referees. The ongoing investigations reflect a heightened commitment by governing bodies to hold officials accountable, underscoring the importance of integrity in officiating.
UEFA’s disciplinary inspector will now work to gather evidence and evaluate whether David Coote violated UEFA’s code of conduct and disciplinary regulations. If found guilty, David Coote may face further sanctions or even a ban from officiating at European competitions.
This unfolding story marks one of the most serious controversies involving a high-level referee in recent memory and highlights the pressure on officiating bodies to enforce strict standards on and off the field.
