Dutch FIFA referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from the list of officials for the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) expressed being "shocked and deeply saddened" by his sudden death, which was reported by Dutch media on Monday. Police are investigating the death, with officers seen in the street where Dieperink lived, though the cause remains unknown.
Arrest and Dropped Charges
Dieperink had been arrested in London following Crystal Palace's 3-0 victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League but was released without charge. The Metropolitan Police dropped the case in May, confirming to The Athletic that "the evidential threshold had not been met." Despite the KNVB standing firmly behind him, FIFA removed him from the Dutch officials list for the World Cup, stating: "We stand for a safe and honest football culture at all levels and always take reports of unwanted behaviour seriously."
KNVB Statement and Support
The KNVB released a statement saying: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of referee Rob Dieperink. With Rob, the refereeing community loses a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, a fine and dedicated colleague. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in coping with this great loss."
Dieperink's Reaction to World Cup Snub
Dieperink was due to serve as a video assistant referee within Daniel Makkelie's team at the tournament. In a statement to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, he expressed sadness at the decision: "It makes me very sad that I have been wrongly accused. I fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB. The allegations were refuted and the case was dismissed within two weeks after an adequate and thorough investigation by the police. I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they have dealt with this case. It is a pity that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup, I am of course disappointed about that."
FIFA's Position
FIFA explained its decision: "Obviously, we think that a Dutch referee should be of unquestionable behaviour, but we also think it is important that he gets the chance to tell his story and not be wrongly accused. In this specific case, the police in the United Kingdom have investigated and closed the case. Rob Dieperink has cooperated fully and given openness to the KNVB from the very beginning, and based on all available information, we see no reason not to appoint him for matches in the Dutch league."
