English referee David Coote has been handed a two-year ban from all UEFA officiating duties, following a series of controversies that have tarnished his career. UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body confirmed the suspension on Friday, barring him from officiating any European matches until June 30, 2026.
The ruling comes after Coote was dismissed by England’s refereeing body in December 2024 when a leaked video surfaced online, showing him making offensive remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. The scandal deepened when another clip allegedly depicted Coote snorting a white powder during the Euro 2024 tournament, prompting UEFA to launch a full-scale investigation.
“The official has been suspended for violating the basic rules of decent conduct and bringing the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute,” UEFA’s statement read.
Coote’s suspension represents one of the most significant disciplinary actions against a referee in recent UEFA history, highlighting the governing body’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct. His removal means he will no longer officiate in major tournaments, including the Champions League, Europa League, and international fixtures, until his ban expires.
The 41-year-old’s fate raises concerns over the integrity of football officiating, with many calling for stricter scrutiny of match officials. While Coote has yet to issue a formal response, his future in top-flight refereeing remains uncertain.
