UEFA ban English referee Coote until 2026

The decision follows a suspension after a video showed abuse of Liverpool and Klopp

Football - Champions League - Knockout Phase Playoff Draw - UEFA Headquarters, Nyon, Switzerland - Jan 31, 2025 General view of the Champions League logo before the draw REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

English referee David Coote has been banned from any UEFA refereeing activity until June 2026, European soccer's governing body said on Friday.

Coote was fired by English soccer's referees' body, the PGMOL, in December, weeks after being suspended following a video circulating on social media which showed the official allegedly abusing Liverpool and their ex-manager Juergen Klopp.

UEFA opened an investigation into Coote in November after The Sun released a video appearing to show him snorting white powder while officiating at Euro 2024.

In a statement on Friday, UEFA said Coote had violated rules of decent conduct and brought "the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute".

Last month, Coote apologised for the actions that led to his sacking and said a fear of coming out as gay led him to turn to drugs.