Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after he was removed from FIFA’s list of officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dieperink had been selected to serve as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the tournament before FIFA withdrew his appointment in May following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.
The referee was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April after a report of an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage boy. However, after a full investigation, police announced that there was not enough evidence to proceed with the case, and no further action was taken.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) expressed deep sadness over his death.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Dieperink,” the association said in a statement.
“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 knew him.”
FIFA also paid tribute to the Dutch official, saying it received the news with “great sadness.”
“On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace,” FIFA said.
The cause of Dieperink’s death has not been made public.
After being removed from the World Cup list, Dieperink insisted that he had been wrongly accused.
Speaking, he said he had fully cooperated with the police investigation and had been open with FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB throughout the process.
Although disappointed by FIFA’s decision to remove him from the World Cup, he thanked the KNVB for the support it gave him during the investigation.
Dieperink had been an Eredivisie referee since 2017 and also worked as a VAR official at UEFA Euro 2024. One of his most recent international appointments was serving as VAR during Crystal Palace’s 3-0 UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina on 9 April.
The football community is now mourning the loss of a respected official whose career spanned both domestic and international competitions.
