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Referee Caught in Cocaine Scandal
9 Jan
Summary
- Referee David Coote used cocaine for six years.
- PGMOL is reviewing its drug testing policy.
- Coote was also sentenced for indecent image offense.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) is undertaking a review of its drug testing policies. This action follows revelations that former referee David Coote admitted to a six-year period of cocaine use. Coote's contract with PGMOL was terminated in December 2024 due to misconduct, prompting this policy re-evaluation.
Coote's extensive drug use, spanning from 2019 to 2025, was disclosed in court as he received a suspended sentence for making an indecent image of a child. His defense stated cocaine use was a coping mechanism for mental health issues. This period coincided with his work as a Premier League and UEFA referee.
Previously, PGMOL, aligning with UEFA and FIFA, followed World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidance, which does not mandate testing for match officials, defining them as support personnel. However, governing bodies can implement stricter testing for various reasons, a discretion PGMOL is now exercising.
