The National Times - Disgraced ref Coote banned by UEFA until 2026

Weather - Sydney 24°C

Disgraced ref Coote banned by UEFA until 2026

SPORTS 28.02.2025

Disgraced ref Coote banned by UEFA until 2026 / Photo: © AFP/File

European football's governing body UEFA has banned disgraced ex-Premier League referee David Coote from any officiating activity until June 2026.

Change text size:

Coote, 42, was sacked by Premier League Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) in December after a video emerged showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club's former manager Jurgen Klopp.

A separate video subsequently showed Coote snorting white powder, reportedly during Euro 2024, and PGMOL said the official was in serious breach of his employment contract and his actions made his position "untenable".

UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary body met last week and ruled Coote had violated the basic rules of decent conduct and brought football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.

In a January interview Coote came out as gay and said his struggle to hide his sexuality had contributed to bad choices, such as the video about Liverpool and his use of drugs.

He said he was "truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions".

K.M.Thompson--TNT

Featured

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: