Dutch Referee Dieperink Dies After World Cup Withdrawal

Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died weeks after being removed from the list of officials selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 38-year-old had been appointed as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the tournament but was withdrawn by FIFA in May following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.

Dieperink was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April after a report of an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage boy. However, the investigation was later closed due to insufficient evidence.

The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) expressed shock and sadness following his death, although the cause has not been disclosed.

“With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague,” the KNVB said in a statement.

“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and everyone who held him dear.”

Dieperink had officiated in the Eredivisie since 2017 and was part of the VAR team at Euro 2024. He was also involved in European competitions, including Crystal Palace’s 3-0 Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina in April.

Following his World Cup withdrawal, Dieperink maintained that he had been wrongly accused and said he had fully cooperated with the investigation.