Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has passed away just weeks after being removed from his officiating role at the World Cup due to a police investigation in the UK.
Dieperink, who was set to serve as a video assistant referee (VAR) at this summer’s tournament, was taken off Fifa’s list of officials in May. The 38-year-old was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April following an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy; however, the case was later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
The Dutch football association, KNVB, expressed their shock and deep sadness at Dieperink’s untimely death, the cause of which has not yet been revealed. In a statement, they said, “With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee and, above all, a kind and dedicated colleague. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who cherished him. We wish them strength and support as they navigate this great loss.”
Fifa also acknowledged the news with great sorrow. They extended their sincere condolences to Dieperink’s family and friends, as well as to the Dutch Football Association.
Dieperink had been officiating in the Eredivisie since 2017 and served as a VAR at Euro 2024. Following his removal from the World Cup, Dieperink stated in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he felt he had been “wrongly accused.” He expressed disappointment over losing his World Cup assignment but added that he appreciated the support he received from the KNVB and his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation from the onset.
On April 9, Dieperink was the VAR during Crystal Palace’s 3-0 Europa Conference League quarter-final win against Fiorentina. The Metropolitan Police revealed that they responded to a report of a sexual assault involving a teenage boy and arrested a man in his 30s. However, a thorough investigation concluded that the evidence did not meet the required threshold for further action.