FIFA referee Rob Dieperink has died suddenly at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from the list of officials for the 2026 World Cup despite charges of sexual assault against an underage boy being dropped. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) expressed shock and deep sadness at his passing, which was reported by Dutch outlets on Monday.
Death Investigation Underway
Police are investigating the death of a man, with officers visible in the street where Dieperink lived. The cause of death remains unknown. 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."
Sexual Assault Charges Dropped
Dieperink was arrested in London after Crystal Palace's 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League and released without charge. The Metropolitan Police dropped the case in May, confirming to The Athletic that "the evidential threshold had not been met." The KNVB backed Dieperink, but FIFA removed him from the list of Dutch officials traveling to North America for the World Cup. FIFA stated: "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."
World Cup Exclusion
Dieperink had been slated to serve as a video assistant referee as part of Daniel Makkelie's team at the World Cup. In a statement to Dutch outlet 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."
