Suspension Follows Viral Video of Coote Allegedly Using White Powder; Investigations Underway by UEFA, PGMOL, and FA
UEFA has suspended English referee David Coote after a video surfaced allegedly showing him using a white powder during the Euro 2024 tournament, where he served as a video assistant referee (VAR). The eight-second clip, shared by The Sun, reportedly shows a man identified as Coote snorting a line of powder with a rolled-up US banknote in what is said to be his UEFA-funded hotel room.
According to the report, the footage was filmed by a friend of Coote’s on July 6, a day after he officiated as a support VAR official in the Euro 2024 quarter-final between France and Portugal. In the video, packets of prescription drugs and a credit card are allegedly seen alongside the powder on his bedside table.
UEFA promptly responded by suspending Coote from his duties. A UEFA spokesperson said, “The UEFA Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice upon becoming aware of his inappropriate behaviour.”
The Premier League’s refereeing body, PGMOL, also issued a statement, emphasizing that it is treating the allegations seriously and confirming Coote’s suspension pending a full investigation. “David’s welfare remains of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to providing him with the support he needs during this time,” PGMOL added.
The incident comes shortly after Coote was suspended by the PGMOL following another controversial video, in which he allegedly made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. The FA has launched its own investigation, as Coote’s comments in the video may violate FA rules regarding discrimination, given that he reportedly referenced Klopp’s German nationality in an alleged “aggravated breach” of conduct.
As investigations proceed across multiple governing bodies, Coote remains suspended from all officiating duties.
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