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| Referee Rob Dieperink |
Dutch Referee Rob Dieperink Dies Weeks After World Cup Removal
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, weeks after FIFA removed him from its list of match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.
The Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) confirmed his death on Sunday but did not disclose the cause.
Dieperink had been selected to serve as a video assistant referee (VAR) at the 2026 World Cup before FIFA withdrew his appointment in May. The decision followed his arrest by the Metropolitan Police in April over an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy.
The investigation was later closed without charges after police concluded there was insufficient evidence to meet the threshold for prosecution.
Paying tribute, the KNVB described Dieperink as a respected referee and valued colleague.
"With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague," the association said. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who held him dear. We wish them strength during this difficult time."
Dieperink had officiated in the Eredivisie since 2017 and also worked as a VAR at UEFA Euro 2024. Before his World Cup appointment was revoked, he continued officiating in European competitions, including serving as VAR during Crystal Palace's 3-0 UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina on April 9.
Following FIFA's decision to remove him from the World Cup officials' list, Dieperink maintained his innocence in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
"It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused," he said. "From the beginning, I fully cooperated with the police investigation and immediately provided complete transparency to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB."
He added: "I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they handled this case. It is unfortunate that FIFA decided not to appoint me for the World Cup. Naturally, I am disappointed."
In an earlier statement, the Metropolitan Police said officers responded to a report of an alleged sexual assault at an address on Wellesley Road in Croydon on April 9. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, while detectives conducted what they described as a thorough investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage and examining digital devices.
Police later confirmed that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case, stating that no further action would be taken.