DUTCH REFEREE, 38, DIES UNEXPECTEDLY WEEKS AFTER BEING REMOVED FROM FIFA WORLD CUP TEAM

Rob Dieperink was supposed to be a VAR official at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 but was dropped after being accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

Referee Rob Dieperink died at the age of 38 © Getty

Tragic news has emerged from the world of football, as Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has reportedly been found dead after being removed from the 2026 FIFA World Cup's officiating team. Dieperink was supposed to be a part of the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) team at the 2026 World Cup but was dropped one month before the start of the tournament over allegations of 'sexual assault' involving a minor. Though the case was later closed due to insufficient evidence, it has now been revealed that the referee has died.

Dieperink died at the age of 38, though the cause of his death has not yet been made public. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed the news in a statement, paying tribute to Dieperink, who was one of the country's most respected officials.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Dieperink. With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all, a kind and dedicated colleague," the KNVB said.

FIFA, the sport's global governing body, also released a statement, offering its condolences on the Dutchman's death.

"On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace," the statement from FIFA read.

Dieperink had been officiating in the Netherlands' top-flight, Eredivisie, since 2017 and was also one of the VAR officials during the European Championships in 2024. He was named in the FIFA World Cup 2026 roster as a video assistant referee, according to the BBC, but was later removed.

He was arrested by London's Metropolitan Police over allegations of sexually assaulting an underage boy, a controversy that led to him missing out on the World Cup.

"It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused," Dieperink had told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf after the allegations were made.

"From the beginning, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB," Dieperink had said.

He was reportedly quite disappointed to have been left out of FIFA's VAR team for the 2026 World Cup.

- Sahil Bakshi

ARGENTINA VS. EGYPT MEME 🤣 | REF FRANCOIS LETEXIA

 

CROATIA COACH BLASTS REFEREE AFTER VAR DRAMA-FILLED FIFA WORLD CUP EXIT IN PORTUGAL DEFEAT

"It was very bad refereeing," Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said, adding that Croatia "should have been given more free kicks.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic with Luka Modric© AFP

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has criticised the refereeing in his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 defeat to Portugal, calling it "very bad refereeing," while also acknowledging that his team cannot use the officiating as an excuse for their elimination, according to Reuters. The comments came after Croatia's 2-1 defeat to Portugal in a tightly contested knockout match, which ended their campaign at the tournament. The result saw Portugal advance to the Round of 16, while Croatia exited after failing to convert several key chances.

Speaking after the match, Dalic said he believed Croatia were denied several free-kick decisions that could have influenced the flow of the game. He expressed frustration over key moments he felt went against his side but maintained that the result ultimately came down to Croatia's own shortcomings in front of goal.

"It was very bad refereeing," Dalic said, adding that Croatia "should have been given more free kicks," according to Reuters.

However, the Croatia coach was quick to temper his criticism, stressing that his team must take responsibility for the defeat. "But Croatia lost. I'm not going to find any excuses," he said, as quoted by Reuters. "We could have won this earlier."

Portugal recovered from an early setback to register a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Substitute Goncalo Ramos emerged as the match-winner by heading home a stoppage-time goal to send Roberto Martinez's side into the Round of 16.

Croatia had taken the lead through Ivan Perisic, who became the country's all-time leading World Cup scorer, before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot after a VAR review.

Croatia had two goals ruled out for offside, including a late equaliser deep into stoppage time, as Portugal held on to set up an all-Iberian Round of 16 clash against Spain. The match also marked the end of Luka Modric's potential World Cup career.

- ANI

MEXICO VS. SOUTH AFRICA REFEREE MEMEl | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

 

SOMALI REFEREE RETURNS HOME VIA ISTANBUL AFTER US ENTRY DENIAL

 'I wanted to thank FIFA for supporting me all the way and the Somali people also,' Omar Abdulkadir Artan says at Istanbul Airport

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry into the US to officiate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, returned Tuesday to his home country from Istanbul.

"I wanted to thank FIFA for supporting me all the way and the Somali people also. So I am very grateful for FIFA and CAF (Confederation of African Football) also. So this is what I have to say," Artan told reporters at Istanbul Airport before boarding a Turkish Airlines flight to Somalia.

The Somali Football Federation voiced deep regret Tuesday after Artan was barred from entering the US.

The federation said that no official explanation has been given for the decision, but it urged patience until all the facts have been revealed.

A senior White House official on Tuesday defended the decision to bar several international participants from entering the US for the World Cup, asserting that the measures are necessary to ensure a safe environment.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, suggested that the decision to block Artan "was for a very good reason,” without elaborating.

Artan was due to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.

- Diyar Güldoğan

FIFA ACCEPTS US DECISION TO BLOCK SOMALI WORLD CUP REFEREE

 

June 9 – The United States, co-host of the 2026 World Cup, has denied top African referee Omar Artan entry to the country, preventing the Somali from officiating matches at the tournament.  

Artan was set to become Somalia’s first referee at a World Cup but American authorities at Miami International Airport barred him from entering the US.  

In statement, world football’s governing body FIFA said: “Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States. 

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present. 

“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.” 

In a statement to Reuters, Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football men’s referee of the year, said: “I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.” 

He was one of 52 referees selected by FIFA to lead matches at the 48-team World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Artan reportedly had a valid visa for the United States, but flew to Istanbul after being denied entry.  

Under the administration of President Donald Trump, the US has cracked down on immigration from Somalia, and its citizens are subject to a full travel ban. Last year, Trump lashed out at Somali immigrants, calling them “garbage”.  

In a statement, a CBP spokesperson said: “On June 6, a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul International Airport. During processing, the travellerunderwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility. 

“Following inspection, the traveller, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry. 

“All travellers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches, and staff, are subject to CBP inspection and vetting. Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. CBP officers have the authority to question travellers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law.” 

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has repeatedly said this World Cup will be the ‘most inclusive’ yet. In 2017, a year before FIFA awarded the World Cup to the United States, Mexico and Canada, Infantino said: “It’s obvious when it comes to FIFA competitions, any team, including the supporters and officials of that team, who qualify for a World Cup need to have access to the country, otherwise there is no World Cup.” 

- Samindra Kunti

WORLD CUP: IAN WRIGHT REACTION TO REF BEING DENIED ENTRY TO THE US GOES VIRAL

Ian Wright has posted a passionate video on social media after Somalian referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States for the 2026 World Cup.

Artan, considered one of the best African officials in world football, was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals.

However, the 34-year-old was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and will now not officiate at this summer's tournament.

FIFA said in a statement: "Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.

"Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present.

"In line with previous Fifa events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."

Ian Wright Reacts to Omar Artan being Denied Entry

Arsenal legend Wright has taken to social media to express his frustration after seeing the story. In a video posted on TikTok, he said:

"Every few hours it's another story. Another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied now refs? I'm laughing but it's not funny. It's actually not funny, something has to be said.

"Expensive tickets, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. Is this how the hosts behave for the greatest game, greatest tournament in the world? How are we not hearing more?"

"Is this the spirit of football? Really? You know who I feel for - I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this. How embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them this must be.

"This is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins this World Cup will have to go through some serious chaos to get it done. I hope we [England can do it, but something has to be said. This is the World Cup!"

Omar Artan Speaks Out After Being Denied Entry to the US

Artan has released a statement after his dream of officiating at a World Cup was taken away. He said:

"Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career. I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future.

“I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”

Artan was one of eight referees to be selected by CAF to officiate in the competition. It is currently unclear who will replace him.

- James Stroud

PREMIER LEAGUE EXPLAIN TOTTENHAM VS LEEDS UNITED DECISION AFTER VAR REVIEW

Tottenham were denied a late penalty against Leeds United by VAR on Monday night as the Whites salvaged a 1-1 draw

Tottenham had a late shout for a penalty against Leeds United turned down(Image: Alex Pantling, Getty Images)

The Premier League has clarified why Tottenham were denied a penalty in the dying moments of their match against Leeds United. Daniel Farke's side claimed a 1-1 draw in Monday evening's fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Late drama unfolded when James Maddison hit the deck following a challenge from Lukas Nmecha during stoppage time. Referee Jarred Gillett dismissed the appeals, though VAR conducted a review of the incident.

The on-field decision stood, with the Premier League explaining via their Match Centre X account: "The referee's call of no penalty to Tottenham Hotspur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Nmecha played the ball."

During the VAR check, Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith observed the Leeds player's contact with the ball.

"VAR will certainly get involved here!" he remarked. "He certainly catches Maddison. Does he get a touch on the ball? He might get the slightest - which could save him!"

Following a cautious opening 45 minutes, Tottenham appeared to be in control when Mathys Tel broke the deadlock early in the second half, beating Karl Darlow. However, Tel then became central to Leeds' leveller.

The Spurs player attempted to clear in his own box but instead caught Ethan Ampadu. A VAR check resulted in a spot-kick for Leeds, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin converting emphatically past Antonin Kinsky.

When announcing the decision, referee Gillett said: "After review, Tottenham No.11 commits a foul on the Leeds attacker. The final decision is a penalty kick."

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored Leeds' equaliser against Tottenham.(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

A whopping 13 minutes of added time handed both sides the opportunity to chase a vital victory. Spurs owed much to Kinsky, whose sharp reaction save denied Sean Longstaff, before Tottenham found themselves at the centre of a penalty appeal deep into stoppage time.

Maddison's appearance marked his first outing since recovering from a lengthy knee injury, and the midfielder could prove instrumental in the club's remaining two fixtures of the campaign.

Leeds are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon (3pm) when they host Brighton at Elland Road. They then finish their season with an away trip against West Ham, a game which could be crucial in deciding the race for survival.

Spurs return to action in just over a week's time when they head to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. They will then round off their season with a home fixture against Everton on Sunday, 24 May (4pm kick-off).

- Amie Wilson

COMPEONATO MINEIRO FINAL 🔥

 

CRUZEIRO VS. ATLÉTICO MG | AO VIVO | COMPEONATO MINEIRO FINAL

 

ADOVE TAKES A REFEREE'S RED CARD 😃 MILLAN VS. INTER WOMEN’S GAME

A viral video from a Milan vs. Inter women's football match shows a pigeon swooping down onto the pitch and snatching a red card from a referee's hand. 

This unexpected moment occurred after the referee had produced the red card during an intense moment in the derby, causing players and fans to burst into laughter as the bird flew away with it. 😃 

AFCON MEME | REG WHO HELPED MOROCCO WIN SEMI-FINALS

 

One job. One Ghanaian. One result: Super Eagles out. Thanks, Daniel Nii Laryea 😏 Trust Nigerians—they’ll never forget.

#PulseSportsAFCON25 #AFCON #AFCON2025

ASIA CUP CONTROVERSY: MATCH REFEREE ANDY PYCROFT REMOVED

 ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman has directed the national team to go to the stadium after the demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft was accepted.

Following this decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman has directed the national team to go to the stadium. Andy Pycroft will not umpire in the Pakistan-UAE match.

The toss for the Pakistan-UAE match will be held at 8 pm, and the game will start at 8:30 pm. The demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft has been accepted.

Earlier, a PCB spokesperson told the media that the scheduled match between Pakistan and the UAE will start with an hour delay. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is continuing to consult with the former PCB chairman.

Today’s match between Pakistan and the UAE is very important because the winner will face India on the 21st. Match referee Andy Pycroft had earlier stopped the Pakistani and Indian captains from shaking hands after the Indian captain made political remarks at the end of the match.

Both Pycroft and the Indian captain violated MCC regulations. Pakistan took a principled stand, demanding Pycroft be removed from the Asia Cup and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav be punished for his political remarks.

- Daily Ausaf 

NETHERLANDS 2-0 SOVIET UNION (CCCP) | EURO 1988

25.06.1988 - 🏟️ Olympiastadion München

Netherlands 🇳🇱 2-0 Soviet Union (⚽ Gullit 32' & van Basten 54')

The legendaries Ruud Gullit 🇳🇱, the referee Michel Vautreau 🇨🇵 and Rinat Dassaev the day that the 2nd version of Rinus Michels 🇳🇱 Clockwork Orange got crowned and won the 1st (and until now) only major tournament for the Netherlands 🇳🇱 at the Euro 1988!

#fifaworldcup #worldcup #euro1988 #gullit #netherlands

- Holland Football 

WHO IS THE REFEREE FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL?

Let's hope we don't even notice the referee for this season's Champions League final

The last thing anyone wants in the Champions League final is a bad refereeing performance.

A little bit of VAR drama wouldn't go a miss... as long as it doesn't ruin the game.

So the important question who is refereeing the biggest game in the club football calendar this year?

Who is the refereeing the Champions League final?

Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs (Image credit: Getty Images)

Istvan Kovacs will be the man in the centre of the action on Saturday night.

The Romanian referee took charge of one game at Euro 2020, and officiated Manchester City's 4-3 Champions League semi-final win over Real Madrid at the Etihad in 2023.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

He also took charge of the inaugural Europa Conference League final between Roma and Feyenoord, which Roma won 1-0.

He was fourth official for the last time Inter Milan reached a Champions League final in 2023 and took charge of the Europa League final last year, which Atalanta won 3-0 against Bayer Leverkusen.

His assistant referees are Mihai Marica and Ferencz Tunyog who are both also Romanian. Fourth official is Joao Pinheiro.

The VAR referee is Dennis Higler from the Netherlands, with Romanian Catalin Popa and fellow Dutchman Pol van Boekel his assistants.

- Ewan Gennery

PREMIER LEAGUE ISSUE STATEMENT FOLLOWING THREE CONTROVERSIAL MOMENTS DURING BRENTFORD O-1 ASTON VILLA

The Premier League released statements for three contentious refereeing incidents during Aston Villa’s 1-0 win away at Brentford.

Unai Emery’s men came out on top to seal an important three points in what was a cagey affair at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Referee Jarred Gillett oversaw several controversial moments throughout as VAR intervened to disallow a goal and he twice decided against awarding Brentford a penalty.

The ruled out strike - from Morgan Rogers shortly after Ollie Watkins scored what turned out to be the winner - was due to a very tight offside that required video intervention. Watkins had held up the ball well before cutting it back for Rogers to tuck away but Watkins was offside in the build-up, timing his run a split-second too early to reach a Jacob Ramsey through pass.

Referee Jarred Gillett had a tough game as Aston Villa beat Brentford 1-0. | AFP via Getty Images

The other controversial calls were against Brentford as winger Kevin Schade was twice bundled over in the box by Villa defender Axel Disasi but Gillett waved away the appeals on both occasions, ultimately costing the hosts a route back into the tie.

The first was a bizarre moment as Matty Cash went to clear the ball but knocked into defensive counterpart Disasi, who then bumped into Schade in a skittle effect. The second was a little more straight-forward as Disasi attempted a challenge on Schade but clumsily made slight contact with the attacker’s trailing leg.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank felt particularly aggrieved about the first incident. “It is a big, big penalty. I don't understand how VAR can't overturn it,” Frank said during the post-match press conference. “Disasi clearly took Schade out. The second one was on a softer side, but you can't go through the back of a player.”

Premier League reacts to Brentford-Villa refereeing drama

All of the incidents mentioned certainly caused a stir around the Gtech with many a debate held between supporters in attendance. As many of the key moments were disputable, the Premier League has issued three statements to clear up the calls made by the officials.

The first, relating to the disallowed goal, read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Watkins was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”

The second, explaining the first penalty call being denied, said: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Brentford was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Cash played the ball before a coming together between Schade and Disasi.”

The third, reasoning the second rejected penalty shout, said: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Brentford following a challenge by Disasi on Schade was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be minimal and initiated by Schade.”

Emery, as he usually does, refused to speak in detail about the officials during his meeting with the press. The Spaniard did make it clear he felt Frank was wrong, though. “For me, not. Clearly not. Clearly not a penalty,” Emery said, short and sweet.

In other news, updates have emerged for Emiliano Martinez and Marco Asensio after the Villa duo missed the win at Brentford through injury.

- Charlie Haffenden

TEN-MAN REAL MADRID DRAWS AT OSASUNA AFTER BELLINGHAM RED CARD FOR CURSING THE REFEREE

Next up for Madrid is a home game against Manchester City on Wednesday when it will try to make good on its 3-2 win in their first meeting of the Champions League knockout rounds playoff

Osasuna’s Ante Budimir celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Osasuna and RealMadrid at El Sardar stadium in Pamplona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. | Photo Credit: AP
 

Jude Bellingham's use of an English expletive to curse at the referee left Real Madrid a man down and unable to defend a lead as the La Liga leaders drew at Osasuna 1-1 on Saturday.

Kylian Mbappé put Madrid ahead in the 15th minute with his 11th goal in as many league games. But Madrid was outnumbered after Bellingham's red card for using an expletive while protesting the refereeing five minutes before halftime.

Osasuna pulled level after the referee awarded a penalty after a video review and booked Eduardo Camavinga for stomping the foot of Ante Budimir in the box. Budimir slotted the 58th-minute equalizer past Thibaut Courtois to unleash celebrations at El Sadar Stadium.

The draw in Pamplona put Madrid’s league lead in jeopardy. While Atletico Madrid failed to take advantage of the slip and stayed one point behind the frontrunners, Barcelona can pull level with its top rival if it beats Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

Next up for Madrid is a home game against Manchester City on Wednesday when it will try to make good on its 3-2 win in their first meeting of the Champions League knockout rounds playoff.

In what seemed to be a stretch of linguistic analysis, coach Carlo Ancelotti tried to defend his player by claiming that referee José Luis Munuera made a translation error of Bellingham’s use of an English expletive.

“Bellingham didn’t do anything that deserved a sending off,” Ancelotti said. “He said ‘(expletive) off,’ not ’(expletive) you.' I don’t think that was meant to be offensive.”

Munuera wrote in his refereeing report that Bellingham told him "from just a few meters away, ‘(expletive) you.’”

Bellingham said “I don’t want to go into details of what was said” but insisted he was unfairly treated, saying the referee made a translation error and that there was indeed a degree of difference between the expletive when combined with “off" or “you.”

 “It is clear that he made a mistake and there was a miscommunication," said the England midfielder, who got a two-game ban last season after receiving a red card for using an expletive in English protesting a ref's call.

Ancelotti was also shown a yellow card early after he complained excessively for what he thought was a handball by an Osasuna player in the host's area.

Following its loss at Espanyol, the powerhouse sent a scathing letter to Spain’s soccer federation to decry what it considered “adulterated” refereeing that favored other teams. The league president responded by saying that the 36-time champion had “lost its mind.”

The decisions by Munuera aggravated Madrid’s sense of grievance regarding the refereeing in La Liga.

"Things have happened in the last three games that everyone has seen,” Ancelotti said. “The VAR has reviewed plays in our area and not in the opponent’s area. … We just have to keep fighting. We played a good game today and we will try to do so again on Wednesday and in the next La Liga game.”

Mbappé had an up and down first few months while adapting to Madrid, but he has been scoring at ease in recent weeks and has 17 league goals, second only to the 19 by Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.

Mbappé had an opportunity to bag an injury-time winner but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera blocked his shot from an angle.

Osasuna, which beat Barcelona 4-2 in September when the Catalan club was leading the league, moved into seventh place.

Budimir’s goal let the Croatia striker equal an Osasuna club record of 57 career goals in La Liga, a mark set by Sabino Andonegui.

“It is always very special to enter the history of a club that is over 100 years old. I am very proud,” Budimir said.

Atletico Madrid remained a point behind Madrid after it was also reduced to 10 men and needed a late goal from substitute Alexander Sorloth to draw at home with Celta Vigo 1-1.

Pablo Barrios hurt Atletico’s chances when he saw a direct red card for a studs-first slide into the lower leg of Pablo Durán just seven minutes into the match.

"Borja Iglesias earned a penalty when fouled by Robin Le Normand in the area, sending substitute Iago Aspas to the spot to put Celta ahead in the 68th.

Sorloth salvaged a point for the hosts when the Norway striker won a long ball and rifled it home in the 81st.

“After the sending off (of Barrios), my players were gladiators,” coach Diego Simeone said, “because playing 90 minutes with a man down, do you know how hard that is?”

Also, Alaves drew at Leganes 3-3, while a struggling Valencia took a 1-1 draw at fifth-placed Villarreal in a regional derby.

 

MICHAEL OLIVER MEME | MICHAEL "ANTIARSENAL" OLIVER

 

DAVID COOTE: NEW VIDEO PUTS SUSPENDED REFEREE UNDER FRESH SCRUTINY

PGMOL, the refereeing body for English football, has confirmed that it is aware of a new video published by The Sun in which suspended Premier League referee David Coote is allegedly seen snorting a white powder.snorting a white powder.

Coote, 42, was stood down from duty pending the result of an investigation after a first video was posted to X on Monday which showed him making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jürgen Klopp.

The Sun claims the new video, which has not been verified by ESPN, was filmed by Coote and shared to a friend on WhatsApp. It was taken at a UEFA-appointed hotel on July 6 when he was on duty at Euro 2024, the day after his final appointment as support VAR for the Portugal vs. France quarterfinal.

David Coote has been stood down from duty by both PGMOL and UEFA. James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

A PGMOL spokesperson said: "We 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. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage."

Coote was due to act as a VAR for UEFA Nations League fixtures over the next week, but was immediately suspended by UEFA following the action taken by PGMOL. UEFA would not confirm which games Coote was due to work on.

In a statement issued after the latest video emerged on Wednesday evening, UEFA confirmed that Coote had been made ineligible for selection but made no comment about its contents or the allegation that it happened in a UEFA-appointed hotel.

A UEFA spokesperson told ESPN: "The UEFA Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice on 11 November -- in advance of the upcoming round of UEFA matches -- when it became aware of his inappropriate behaviour."

- Dale Johnson, General Editor, ESPN FC

REFEREE DAVID COOTE IS 'SOMETHING ELSE' 👀

 🚨| Teams with the best win percentages when officiated by David Coote (5+ matches):

▫️100% - Manchester City

▫️66.7% - Liverpool

▫️62.5% - Manchester United

▫️61.3% - Leicester

▫️60.0% - Bolton

[@WhoScored]