Premier League referees Andy Madley and David Coote have failed the fitness test to become members of the FIFA international list.
In an embarrassing episode for the PGMOL and referees’ chief Mike Riley, Sportsmail can reveal the pair attended a training camp in Majorca recently but did not meet the physical standard required to proceed.
Madley and Coote will now be given the chance to retake the test and sources have indicated they were suffering from ‘cold and flu’ symptoms and ‘not operating at their peak’ during the exam.
The duo were the only male referees put forward by PGMOL to represent England in this year’s intake.
But their induction was cut short after they failed to complete what is the equivalent of a strenuous ‘bleep test’. It is understood Coote came within a couple of sprints of finishing the test but had been served several warnings and was pulled out. Madley was some way short.
It does not reflect well on the PGMOL, who did not have a representative at the last World Cup. Being a member of the FIFA list allows officials to preside over Champions League and Europa League games, as well as international fixtures.
Top-flight officials Madley and Coote (above) will now be given the chance to retake the test
England have six referees on the list, with Michael Oliver considered by far the best. Riley will be hoping his latest recommendations can prove their fitness when given a second chance by FIFA.
Coote took charge of his first Premier League match in 2018 having started at the Notts FA. Madley began refereeing top-flight games in the same year after starting in West Yorkshire’s local leagues.
He is the older brother of former Premier League referee Bobby, who was sacked in 2018 after recording a video joking about a disabled person.
