Why is PGMOL reviewing its drug testing policy after David Coote's cocaine use?

PGMOL is reviewing its policy because former referee David Coote admitted to using cocaine for six years, prompting scrutiny of their current testing procedures for officials.

What was David Coote sentenced for besides drug use?

David Coote was sentenced to a suspended nine-month prison term for making an indecent image of a child.

Does WADA test match officials like David Coote?

Under current WADA guidance, match officials are considered athlete support personnel and are not subject to mandatory drug testing.

Home / Crime and Justice / Referee Caught in Cocaine Scandal

Referee Caught in Cocaine Scandal

9 Jan

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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.