UEFA has officially banned English referee David Coote from officiating any of its matches until June 30, 2026. The decision, confirmed on Friday, follows a series of controversies that have tarnished his reputation and credibility within the game.

Coote was already dismissed by England’s Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) last December after a leaked video surfaced, showing him making offensive remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. As if that wasn’t damaging enough, UEFA later launched an investigation into another video that allegedly showed Coote snorting a white substance during Euro 2024.

The verdict from UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body was clear: Coote was found guilty of violating the “basic rules of decent conduct” and bringing “the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.”

A Fall from Grace

For a referee who once officiated top-tier matches in the Premier League and European competitions, this marks a spectacular downfall. Officiating is a profession that demands the highest standards of discipline, impartiality, and professionalism—qualities Coote’s actions have undoubtedly compromised.

His suspension raises broader concerns about the scrutiny and accountability of referees. Footballers and managers often face severe consequences for misconduct, but referees are rarely in the spotlight for their off-field behavior. Coote’s case, however, is a stark reminder that referees, too, are subject to the same ethical expectations as players and coaches.

What Next?

With his career in tatters, the road back for Coote looks incredibly difficult. Even after his UEFA ban expires in 2026, it’s hard to see a path back to top-level officiating. Trust is everything in refereeing, and once it’s broken, it’s nearly impossible to regain.

For UEFA, this decision is also a statement of intent—zero tolerance for misconduct, no matter who is involved. It’s a necessary move to uphold the integrity of the sport, ensuring that those who enforce the rules abide by them as well.

Coote’s story is now one of caution—a reminder that, in football, actions off the pitch can be just as decisive as those on it.