Netherlands football referee Rob Dieperink has died, weeks after he was removed from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.
Dieperink, 38, had been selected to serve as a video assistant referee (VAR) at this summer’s tournament but was removed from FIFA’s list of World Cup officials in May.
He was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April following an allegation of sexual assault against a teenage boy. However, the case was later dropped after investigators found there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by Dieperink’s death.
His cause of death has not been disclosed.
“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.”
Dieperink had officiated in the Eredivisie since 2017 and also served as a VAR official at Euro 2024.
After being dropped from the World Cup, he said he had been “wrongly accused” in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
“It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused,” he said.
“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 was the VAR for Crystal Palace’s 3-0 UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina on April 9.
A Metropolitan Police statement said, “On Thursday, 9 April, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy, which occurred at an address on Wellesley Road, Croydon.
“A man in his 30s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
“Officers completed a thorough investigation and reviewed all available evidence, including gathering CCTV and examining digital devices.
“Following these enquiries, they concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met. No further action will be taken.”
