Dutch football referee, Rob Dieperink, has died, weeks after he was removed from officiating duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.
38-year-old Dieperink had been selected as a video assistant referee (VAR) for the tournament but was dropped from FIFA’s list of match officials in May.
The Dutch official was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April after a report of an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage boy.
However, the investigation was later closed after police said there was insufficient evidence to proceed, and no further action was taken.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed his death on Monday but did not disclose the cause.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened,” the KNVB said in a statement.
“With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague.
“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in processing this great loss.”
Following his removal 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.
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“From the beginning, I have fully cooperated in the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to Fifa, Uefa and the KNVB.
“I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way in which they have dealt with this case. It is a pity that Fifa has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup any more, of course I am disappointed about that.”
Dieperink had officiated in the Eredivisie since 2017 and served as a VAR at UEFA Euro 2024. He also worked as the VAR during Crystal Palace’s 3-0 Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina on April 9.
In a statement issued after the investigation ended, the Metropolitan Police said officers had carried out a detailed inquiry, including reviewing CCTV footage and examining digital devices, before concluding that “the evidential threshold had not been met” and that no further action would be taken.
(BBC)
