New allegations surrounding Premier League referee David Coote have intensified scrutiny on one of England’s top officials, with the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) confirming that they are taking the matter “very seriously.”

Coote, who was suspended on Monday by the PGMOL — the organisation that manages refereeing in English football’s top divisions — is now at the centre of a dual investigation by both the Football Association (FA) and UEFA. The situation escalated after two videos surfaced, each raising separate but significant concerns about his conduct.

The first video, which led to his initial suspension, allegedly shows Coote making derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager and current head coach of the German national team. The second video, published on Wednesday night by The Sun, shows a man identified as Coote purportedly sniffing a white substance through a rolled-up American banknote.

According to The Sun, the video was filmed on July 6 this year, just a day after Coote had served as the support VAR for the Euro 2024 quarter-final between France and Portugal in Hamburg, Germany. This revelation has prompted UEFA to take immediate action, announcing a formal suspension from all UEFA competitions and launching its own investigation.

The Daily Mail reported that the FA is also investigating Coote’s comments about Klopp for a potential breach of FA regulations. Meanwhile, the PGMOL has reiterated its commitment to a “thorough and comprehensive” investigation, emphasising the organisation’s ongoing support for Coote’s welfare during the investigation process. A spokesperson for the PGMOL said, “We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”

The Sun’s video reportedly shows a man they claim is Coote using a white powder, an image that has raised immediate questions around substance misuse and professionalism, as referees are expected to uphold the highest standards both on and off the pitch. The timing of the alleged incident, just a day after he officiated a crucial international match, has only added to the gravity of the situation. Referees are subjected to intense physical and mental demands, and UEFA and the FA maintain stringent guidelines around conduct, including substance use, for all officials.

While neither the FA nor UEFA has yet to officially confirm that Coote is the man in the video, the PGMOL’s swift action in suspending him reflects the seriousness with which they are treating these allegations. If confirmed, the video would raise serious questions about Coote’s suitability for the role of officiating high-stakes matches, given the importance of professionalism and impartiality in the role.

In addition to the alleged drug use, Coote faces separate allegations regarding offensive comments about Jurgen Klopp. While the exact nature of these comments has not been disclosed, the FA’s investigation reportedly focuses on whether Coote’s remarks constitute a breach of FA Rule E3, which governs the behaviour of players, coaches, and officials. This rule prohibits any language that may bring the game into disrepute, including language or gestures that are abusive, offensive, or discriminatory.

This is particularly relevant given Klopp’s high-profile status and the strained relationship that sometimes exists between managers and referees. Referees are expected to remain impartial and professional in their interactions with players and managers, both on and off the field. Any perceived bias or inappropriate commentary from a referee about a manager, especially one as prominent as Klopp, risks undermining public confidence in officiating standards.

The FA has a history of taking a firm stance against officials who fail to uphold these standards, especially in cases involving discrimination or inappropriate language. Should the investigation confirm that Coote made derogatory remarks, he could face disciplinary action that might include a fine, further suspension, or even permanent removal from his duties, depending on the severity of the comments.

On Thursday, UEFA confirmed that Coote had been suspended from officiating in its competitions, just two days after the initial allegations surfaced. The organisation has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to oversee an investigation into what they described as a “potential violation” of UEFA’s rules. Although UEFA has not yet specified which rules Coote may have violated, the governing body has strict codes of conduct for referees, covering both professional and personal behaviour.

UEFA’s swift response underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its competitions and sends a strong message about the expected standards for officials in European competitions. The potential fallout from this investigation could be significant, as UEFA’s disciplinary decisions often influence domestic football authorities. If UEFA were to impose a long-term or permanent ban on Coote, the FA and PGMOL would likely be pressured to follow suit, potentially ending Coote’s officiating career altogether.

These allegations come at a challenging time for English refereeing. The PGMOL has been actively working to rebuild trust between referees, players, and fans, following a series of controversial VAR decisions in recent seasons. The introduction of Howard Webb as the organisation’s chief refereeing officer was part of this effort, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in officiating decisions.

The accusations against Coote threaten to undermine these efforts. The credibility of refereeing depends on the integrity and professionalism of officials, and any scandal involving misconduct or bias can erode public trust in the fairness of the game. This situation also raises questions about the PGMOL’s vetting processes for referees and the support structures in place to ensure they uphold the highest standards of conduct.

For now, Coote remains suspended pending the outcome of the FA and UEFA investigations. If the allegations are proven, Coote could face a lengthy suspension or even permanent disqualification from officiating, depending on the severity of the breaches. The PGMOL has indicated that it will provide Coote with support during the investigation, but it remains to be seen how the organisation will proceed if the allegations are confirmed.

With the FA and UEFA both involved, the timeline for a resolution could be prolonged. However, with the public interest in this case growing, both organisations will be under pressure to deliver a transparent and decisive response.

The outcome of these investigations will likely have broader implications for refereeing standards in England and potentially across Europe. This incident has already led to increased scrutiny on the conduct of officials off the pitch, and it could prompt a review of the support and oversight provided to referees, both by the PGMOL and by governing bodies like UEFA.

For now, the future of David Coote’s officiating career hangs in the balance, and the FA, UEFA, and PGMOL are all watching closely to determine the appropriate course of action.