DAVID COOTE has been banned from officiating by Uefa until 2026.
Coote, 42, had already been sacked by the PGMOL in December following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.
Now Uefa have hit him with a ban of their own, effective immediately and running until June 30, 2026.
Uefa revealed that Coote has been banned for “bringing the sport of football, and Uefa in particular, into disrepute”, as well as “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.
The European football governing body opened an investigation into Coote following The Sun’s exclusive video of Coote snorting a white power while on duty at Euro 2024.
Coote’s ban means he can no longer officiate in the Nations League, Champions League, Europa League or Uefa Conference League.
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While, despite him already being sacked, Uefa’s jurisdiction over the English leagues means he won’t be able to officiate in the Premier League either.
Coote was initially suspended by the PGMOL following a video emerging online of the referee calling then-Liverpool manager a “German c***”.
Paul Field, chairman of the Referees’ Association, had said he hoped Coote is able to remain in English football.
He said: “The work he does with young people is exemplary. He’s an unbelievable tutor. He puts so much time and effort into the up-and-coming grassroots officials.
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“I’d love him to be part of the FA, training, mentoring, out of the public light to look after himself. He has so much to offer.”
While Coote himself had said he would like to return to officiating in some form.
He added: “Whether it would be with a whistle in my hand would be another matter. Certainly not for me to judge.
“But in terms of utilising my experience I hope there is an opportunity to do so in some way.”
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Coote revealed that he is gay – suggesting that hiding his sexuality is one of the contributing factors to his actions.
He said : “My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position.
“But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.”
Coote was also subject to an investigation over allegations related to bookings given to Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski in the 2019/20 Championship campaign.
It was claimed that Coote has discussed the possibility of showing Alioski a yellow card with a third party before the game.
However, it is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.
Coote maintained his innocence on the matter in a statement and claimed he has always held the “integrity of the game in the highest regard”.
A statement read: “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.
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“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
