Dutch Referee Rob Dieperink Dies at 38 After World Cup Withdrawal
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, weeks after being removed from the 2026 FIFA World Cup VAR list following a police investigation for alleged sexual assault, which was later closed due to insufficient evidence. The Royal Netherlands Football Association expressed deep sadness over the loss of a valued colleague, though the cause of death remains undisclosed.
Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, weeks after FIFA removed him from the panel of officials selected for the 2026 World Cup.
The Royal Dutch Football Association expressed shock and sadness in its tribute to Dieperink, describing him as a valued referee and dedicated colleague. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Dieperink had initially been selected as a video assistant referee for the tournament. FIFA later removed him from the World Cup panel following a police investigation in Britain.
The Metropolitan Police arrested him in London in April after receiving an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy. The investigation ended without charges after police concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met.
Dieperink maintained that he had been wrongly accused and said he fully cooperated with the police, FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB. He also expressed disappointment over FIFA’s decision to withdraw him despite the case being closed.
At the time of his arrest, Dieperink was in London for a UEFA Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina. He had built a respected career in European officiating, serving in the Dutch Eredivisie since 2017.
He became an international official in 2022 and was among the VAR officials selected for UEFA Euro 2024. He also served as assistant VAR during the 2024 Europa League final.
The KNVB extended its condolences to Dieperink’s family, friends and colleagues as tributes spread across European football following news of his death.