Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from officiating at the 2026 World Cup following allegations that were later dropped. Dutch police have launched an investigation into his death, with the cause currently unknown.
KNVB Confirms Death
In a statement, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said: "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."
World Cup Axe and Allegations
Dieperink was originally selected to serve as a video assistant referee (VAR) at the 2026 World Cup, supporting Dutch referee Danny Makkelie. However, he was dropped after being arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April following allegations of sexually assaulting an underage boy in London. The alleged incident occurred after Crystal Palace's 3-0 win over Fiorentina.
The case was later dropped. The Met Police confirmed to The Athletic in May that "the evidential threshold had not been met" and that "no further action" would be taken.
Dieperink's Response
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Dieperink expressed disappointment with FIFA's decision. He said: "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."
KNVB's Support
The KNVB had backed Dieperink throughout the process. In a statement published by The Athletic, the association said: "We stand for a safe and honest football culture at all levels and always take reports of unwanted behaviour seriously. 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."
