English referee David Coote has been handed a two-year ban from all UEFA-related officiating duties, following allegations of misconduct that have rocked European football. UEFA confirmed the decision on Friday, February 28, 2025, suspending Coote until June 30, 2026, citing violations of ethical standards.
The ruling follows Coote’s dismissal by the English refereeing body in December 2024, after a leaked video surfaced online in which he made offensive comments about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. The scandal deepened when another video allegedly showed Coote snorting a white substance during UEFA Euro 2024.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body found Coote guilty of breaching the fundamental principles of “decent conduct” and bringing European football’s governing body into disrepute.
“The official has been suspended for violating the basic rules of decent conduct and for actions that have damaged the reputation of football and UEFA,” UEFA’s statement read.
Coote’s ban marks one of the most significant disciplinary actions against a referee in recent UEFA history, further intensifying scrutiny on the standards of officiating in football.
The suspension leaves Coote ineligible to officiate in any UEFA-sanctioned competitions, including the Champions League, Europa League, and international tournaments, until mid-2026. It remains unclear whether the 41-year-old will challenge the decision or seek a return to officiating once his ban expires.
With officiating standards under the spotlight, UEFA’s decision sends a clear message about its zero-tolerance approach to misconduct within the sport.
