Dutch referee Rob Dieperink dies weeks after World Cup removal
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died weeks after being removed from officiating at the World Cup following a police investigation that was dropped due to lack of evidence.
Rob Dieperink, a 38-year-old Dutch referee who officiated in the Eredivisie since 2017 and served as a video assistant referee (VAR) at Euro 2024, has passed away weeks after being taken off FIFA's list of officials for the 2025 World Cup.
In April, Dieperink was arrested by the Metropolitan Police after a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy. The case was later dropped as police concluded the evidential threshold had not been met, stating no further action would be taken.
Following his removal from the World Cup, Dieperink told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he had been "wrongly accused" and fully cooperated with the investigation. He expressed disappointment in FIFA's decision but thanked the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) for their support.
The KNVB said they were "shocked and deeply saddened" by his death, describing him as a "highly valued referee" and a "kind and dedicated colleague." FIFA extended condolences to his family and friends.
Dieperink served as VAR for Crystal Palace's Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina on 9 April. His cause of death has not been disclosed.
