Former Premier League referee David Coote has been banned by UEFA from officiating in European competitions until June 30, 2026, due to his conduct related to Euro 2024.
The ban follows an investigation by UEFA into Coote’s behavior during last summer’s European Championship in Germany, where he served as a video assistant referee (VAR). UEFA deemed his actions inconsistent with the expected standards of conduct for officials.
This sanction comes after Coote’s release from his position by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December. His initial suspension from PGMOL in November was triggered by a video containing comments he made about Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
Further scrutiny arose when The Sun published photos alleging questionable behavior by Coote during the Euro 2024 tournament, prompting UEFA to launch their own investigation.
In a recent interview with The Sun, Coote expressed regret for his actions and publicly disclosed that he is gay. He also faces an ongoing investigation by the Football Association (FA) regarding comments he allegedly made about officiating a 2019 Championship match between Leeds and West Brom, which he vehemently denies.
This series of events highlights the importance of upholding integrity and professionalism within sports officiating. The UEFA ban serves as a stark reminder of the high standards expected from officials at all levels of the game.
