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JUST IN: EPL Referee, David Coote Dismissed Over Misconduct Allegations

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David Coote, a Premier League referee, has been dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following a comprehensive investigation into multiple allegations of misconduct.

The decision, announced in a statement on Monday, comes after weeks of scrutiny over Coote’s actions, which the PGMOL described as “serious breaches” of his employment contract.

“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract,” the statement read.

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“Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us, and we remain committed to his welfare.”

Coote, 42, retains the right to appeal the decision, leaving the possibility of further legal or procedural developments.

The controversy surrounding Coote began in early November when a video surfaced online, reportedly showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool FC and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp.

The comments allegedly referenced Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in July 2020—a match officiated by Coote that drew sharp criticism from Klopp over refereeing decisions.

The situation escalated on November 13 when The Sun published images allegedly showing Coote using a white powder during the summer’s European Championship.

In response, the PGMOL launched an investigation, describing the allegations as “very serious.”

The fallout extended beyond England, with UEFA suspending Coote and initiating its own probe.

Meanwhile, the FA opened a separate investigation into an alleged incident from 2019, where Coote was accused of discussing a yellow card decision ahead of a Championship match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion. Coote denied the claim, calling it “false and defamatory.”

While Coote’s dismissal concludes the PGMOL’s investigation, questions remain over the impact of these allegations on the integrity of football officiating.

The case has also raised concerns about the pressures faced by referees in high-stakes matches.

The PGMOL reiterated its commitment to Coote’s welfare, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the dismissal.

However, with Coote denying wrongdoing and holding the right to appeal, the matter may not be fully resolved.

 

 

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Tragedy Hits Spanish Football As Tenerife Striker Jesus De Miguel Dies At 30

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Spanish football has been thrown into mourning following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died at the age of 30 after suffering serious injuries in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a second-division match.

Tenerife confirmed the player’s death on Tuesday, November 3, revealing that he died at 8:00 a.m. following complications from injuries sustained during the encounter.

The incident occurred towards the closing stages of the match, which was tied at 2-2, when Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, rushed out of his goal and collided with De Miguel in the middle of the pitch.

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The goalkeeper was sent off following the incident, while the match was subsequently abandoned.

Spanish media reported that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after the collision and was resuscitated. However, Tenerife later announced that his neurological condition had deteriorated before he eventually died.

In a statement announcing the tragedy, the club expressed profound sadness over the loss of the striker and extended its condolences to his family, friends and supporters.

“Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe this is real, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death, at 8:00 am (7am GMT), of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.

De Miguel joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 from Castellon and had spent just over a season with the Spanish side.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across Spanish football, including former Barcelona defender and FC Andorra majority shareholder Gerard Pique.

“I am so deeply sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus,” Pique wrote on social media.

FC Andorra also expressed its condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates and Tenerife, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and several other Spanish clubs sent messages of sympathy.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation equally expressed its grief, describing the news as deeply saddening and extending its condolences following the striker’s death.

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Sanwo-Olu Pledges Full Support as Lagos Prepares to Host 2026 CAF Awards

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged the state government’s full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday after meeting with a CAF delegation led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly.

The governor said his administration would pay particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access to ensure a memorable experience for participants and visitors.

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In a statement shared on his social media account, Sanwo-Olu said, “Meeting with the CAF delegation, led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, I assured them of our full support, with particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access.”

He described Lagos as a city with the energy and capacity to host major international events.

“Lagos is a city of talent, culture, enterprise and youthful energy,” the governor said.

He added, “We look forward to welcoming football leaders, stakeholders and visitors from across Africa and beyond, while showcasing our hospitality and ability to host major international events.”

The meeting comes as preparations continue for the continental football awards, which will bring together prominent figures in African football to celebrate outstanding performances and achievements.

The latest engagement follows the arrival of a 15-member CAF delegation in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, for a final inspection of facilities ahead of the awards and the organisation’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly.

The delegation, led by Emeruwa, was expected to assess facilities in Lagos and Abuja as part of efforts to evaluate the country’s readiness to host the two events.

The inspection also followed an earlier visit by CAF officials in August, when Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Lagos’s readiness to host the awards after a delegation inspected the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, in Iganmu.

The 2026 CAF Awards are scheduled to hold in Lagos on December 7, while Abuja is expected to host the CAF Ordinary General Assembly on November 21.

The awards ceremony will recognise outstanding performances and achievements in African football, bringing together players, coaches, officials and other stakeholders from across the continent.

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Iheanacho Flaunts Turkish Nickname

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After scoring twice and providing an assist as Bursaspor beat Muglaspor 3-0 in the Turkish 1. Lig on Thursday, Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho took to social media to declare himself boss.

The Super Eagles forward who moved to the Turkish league from Celtic to Bursaspor has made history, becoming the first football player to score in 10 consecutive league matches for the club and in the Turkish professional league football.

He took to his social media handles to flaunt his Turkish nickname – “Agabey”.

In a post on his verified handle on X, the Nigerian forward shared a picture of himself in traditional Turkish dress with a new nickname, “Agabey”. The caption read, “We go ball till eternity, Kelechi Agabey.”

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The word is a respectful Turkish title that translates as “Big Brother” or “Boss”.

The 30-year-old has now scored in all 10 games he has played for Bursaspor, and including his appearance for the Super Eagles, he has found the net in 11 straight matches. He has 14 goals and three assists since joining from Celtic.

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