Dutch referee Rob Dieperink dies weeks after World Cup removal
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Rob Dieperink has died aged 38, weeks after FIFA removed him from the World Cup.
- UK police dropped the investigation after finding insufficient evidence for charges.
- KNVB and FIFA paid tribute to the respected Dutch international referee.
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed the news on Monday, describing the loss as a profound shock to the country's refereeing community.
No cause of death has been announced, and Dutch media reported that police were investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Dieperink removed from the World Cup list in May
Dieperink had been selected as a video assistant referee (VAR) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup before FIFA withdrew his appointment in May.The decision came shortly after he was arrested in London during a police investigation into an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy.
However, the Metropolitan Police later confirmed that the case would not proceed after investigators concluded there was insufficient evidence to meet the required legal threshold.
No charges were brought against the Dutch official.
KNVB pays tribute to Dieperink
In an emotional statement, the KNVB said the Dutch football community had lost not only an experienced international referee but also a respected colleague.We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of referee Rob Dieperink. With Rob, the refereeing community loses a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, a fine and dedicated colleague.FIFA also expressed its condolences, saying it had learned of Dieperink's death with "great sadness."
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in coping with this great loss.
On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace.
Police investigation ended without charges
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers arrested a man in his 30s after responding to a report of an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage boy at an address in Croydon on 9 April.Investigators reviewed CCTV footage, examined digital devices and gathered available evidence before deciding that the evidential threshold required for criminal proceedings had not been met.
Police subsequently took no further action.
The investigation coincided with Dieperink's appointment as VAR during Crystal Palace's 3-0 UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina on 9 April.
FIFA removed him from World Cup squad
Although the police investigation concluded without charges, FIFA chose to remove Dieperink from its World Cup officiating team.He had originally been selected to serve as VAR alongside fellow Dutch referee Daniel Makkelie at the tournament in North America.
The KNVB publicly supported Dieperink following the police decision, stating that he had cooperated fully throughout the investigation and had been transparent from the outset.
The Dutch federation said it remained committed to maintaining a safe football environment whilst also ensuring individuals were not unfairly judged when allegations were not substantiated.
Dieperink said he had been 'wrongly accused'
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf after losing his World Cup appointment, Dieperink said the allegations had deeply affected him.It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused.
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.
A respected international official
Dieperink became an Eredivisie referee in 2017 and steadily built a strong international reputation.He worked as a VAR at UEFA Euro 2024 and had been regarded as one of the Netherlands' leading match officials before his expected World Cup debut was cut short.
His sudden death has prompted tributes from across Dutch football, with colleagues remembering him as a dedicated professional and respected member of the refereeing community.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances of his death.
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