UEFA starts an investigation into Premier League referee Coote

On November 14, 2024By Pranco

London (AFP) – UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate Premier League referee David Coote after a video emerged of him allegedly snorting a white powder during Euro 2024.

Published on: 14/11/2024 – 13:42Altered: 14/11/2024 – 13:40

1 min

It comes after England’s refereeing body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) said it was taking new allegations about Coote “very seriously”.

The 42-year-old was suspended by the PGMOL on Monday after several video footage was posted on social media showing him making disparaging comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Coote’s comments about the German are also being investigated by the football association.

Another video appeared on the Sun newspaper’s website on Wednesday showing Coote snorting a white powder during the 2024 European Championship in Germany, where he was a referee.

European football governing body UEFA, which had already suspended Coote, has now opened an investigation into his conduct.

“A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to review a possible breach of UEFA disciplinary regulations by referee David Coote,” it said in a statement.

“More information on this matter will be made available in due course.”

A PGMOL spokesperson said on Wednesday that the organization was aware of the second video.

“We are aware of the allegations and take them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation,” a PGMOL spokesperson said.

“David’s well-being remains of the utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs during this period. We cannot comment further at this stage.”