Exclusive: Liverpool-David Coote saga takes shock twist - PGMOL faces extinction

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed the PGMOL could be “taken over” if there is not a proper investigation into David Coote’s comments about Liverpool.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted there should now be a “fully detailed and transparent process” and also called for “better background checks” for referees.

Coote, 42, has been suspended by PGMOL and is under investigation by the FA after footage of him slating Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp leaked.

New pictures, which are understood to have been taken during this summer’s European Championships in Germany, later emerged online appearing to show the referee snorting a white powder.

The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) was established in 2001 and saw England become the first country to fully professionalise its referees.

PGMOL could be ‘taken over’ if Liverpool investigation doesn’t go to plan, says Wyness

Wyness insisted the “whole reputation of the organisation is at stake”.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “This is a very tricky situation for the PGMOL.

“I was amazed when the footage came out.

“Klopp has had a right go at Coote, but the words Coote used were mainly about him as a person – rather than any decisions.

“But this is crucial for the PGMOL. The whole reputation of the organisation is at stake.

“If they don’t do this investigation properly, they may find themselves taken over. It could go that far, if they can’t prove they can run themselves correctly.

“Justice must be seen to be done. There has to be a fully detailed and transparent process.

“There needs to be better checks and background checks on the behaviour of referees. They’re crucial, and we want to support them.

“They’re paid well, and they have certain responsibilities. This inquiry is crucial.”

In other news, Liverpool told bid Nottingham Forest will accept for Murillo.

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