Former Premier League referee David Coote has decided not to appeal his dismissal from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Coote, 42, was fired earlier this month following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct by the PGMOL. While he had the option to appeal, sources have informed BBC Sport that Coote has chosen not to pursue this route.
BBC Sport has reached out to Coote for comment.
Coote was suspended by the PGMOL on November 11 while a full investigation was conducted after a video surfaced online, allegedly showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The investigation was expanded two days later after the Sun published photographs that purportedly show Coote inhaling a white powder through a rolled-up US banknote during the summer’s European Championship.
Neither the video nor the photos have been independently verified by the BBC.
The PGMOL stated that Coote’s actions had rendered his position “untenable” and continues to offer support to him, emphasizing its commitment to his welfare.
Coote is also under investigation by both the Football Association and UEFA for his conduct.