Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after he was removed from FIFA’s list of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.
Dieperink’s death was confirmed on Monday by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), which described the news as a devastating loss. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The official had originally been selected to serve as a VAR at the World Cup but was withdrawn from FIFA’s list in May after he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London over an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy.
However, following a full investigation, UK police announced that the case had been dropped due to insufficient evidence, with no further action taken against the referee.
In a statement, the KNVB paid tribute to Dieperink’s contribution to Dutch football.
“With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who held him dear.”
FIFA also expressed its condolences, saying it had received the news with “great sadness.”
“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.”
After being removed from the World Cup officials’ list, Dieperink maintained his innocence, insisting he had been “wrongly accused.”
He said he had fully cooperated with investigators and had immediately informed FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB about the case.
“I am grateful for the support I received from the KNVB and the way they handled the situation. Of course, I was disappointed by FIFA’s decision to remove me from the World Cup,” he said in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
Dieperink began officiating in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2017 and earned recognition as one of the Netherlands’ leading referees.
He served as a VAR at UEFA Euro 2024 and most recently officiated as VAR during Crystal Palace’s UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final victory over Fiorentina in April.
His death has sent shockwaves through the football community, with tributes continuing to pour in from colleagues and football authorities across Europe.
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