Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died just weeks after he was removed from FIFA’s list of officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.
Dieperink, 38, had initially been selected to serve as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the tournament before FIFA withdrew his appointment in May, after he was arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage boy.
However, the investigation was later discontinued by the Metropolitan Police after officers concluded there was insufficient evidence to support further action.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed Dieperink’s death in a statement on Monday, describing the news as a devastating loss. The association did not disclose the cause of death.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by Rob’s passing,” the KNVB said.
“With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who held him dear during this difficult time.”
Dieperink had been officiating in the Dutch Eredivisie since 2017 and also worked as a VAR official during Euro 2024.
Following FIFA’s decision to remove him from the World Cup officiating team, Dieperink maintained his innocence, insisting he had been wrongly accused.
In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, he said he had fully cooperated with investigators and had been transparent with FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB throughout the process.
“It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused,” he said, adding that while he respected the support shown by the KNVB, he was disappointed by FIFA’s decision to withdraw his World Cup appointment.
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The Metropolitan Police said officers responded to a report of an alleged sexual assault in Croydon on April 9 and arrested a man in his 30s.
Detectives reviewed CCTV footage, examined digital devices and gathered other evidence before concluding that the evidential threshold required for prosecution had not been met.
Dieperink’s final high-profile assignment before his removal from FIFA’s list was serving as VAR during Crystal Palace’s 3-0 UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina on April 9.
His death has prompted tributes across Dutch football, with colleagues remembering him for his professionalism, dedication and contributions to the game.
