Dutch referee dies aged 38 weeks after being dropped from World Cup

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after he was removed from FIFA’s list of match officials for the 2026 World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom that was later dropped.

According to the BBC, Dieperink had been selected as a video assistant referee (VAR) for the tournament before FIFA removed him from the World Cup panel in May after he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April over an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy.

The investigation was subsequently discontinued after police found there was insufficient evidence to proceed, and no further action was taken.

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced Dieperink’s death on Monday but did not disclose the cause.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Dieperink. With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague,” the KNVB said in a statement.

“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.”

According to Reuters, Dieperink had travelled to London in April to officiate as VAR during Crystal Palace’s UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina before the allegation led to his arrest.

Following what the Metropolitan Police described as a thorough investigation, including the review of CCTV footage and digital devices, officers concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met and closed the case without bringing charges.

Reacting after FIFA removed him from the World Cup officials’ list, Dieperink maintained his innocence, saying he had been “wrongly accused.”

“It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused,” he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

“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 anymore. Of course I am disappointed about that.”

Dieperink began officiating in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2017 and also served as a VAR official at UEFA Euro 2024, earning recognition as one of the Netherlands’ leading match officials before his planned involvement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an abrupt end.

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