Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died suddenly at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from FIFA's list of officials for the 2026 World Cup. The cause of death has not been confirmed, and Dutch police have launched an investigation, according to reports in the Netherlands.
Dropped from World Cup After Allegation
Dieperink, a professional referee since 2012, had been scheduled to travel to North America as a video assistant referee (VAR) for the tournament. However, FIFA removed him from its list of officials in April after he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of sexual assault against an underage boy. The case was later closed without charges. A Met Police spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic that “the evidential threshold had not been met” and “no further action” would be taken.
In a statement to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf at the time, Dieperink said: “It deeply hurts me that I have been wrongly accused. From the beginning, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately provided full disclosure to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB. The accusations have been refuted, and the case was dismissed within two weeks following an adequate and thorough investigation by the police.”
Career and Legacy
Dieperink had served as a VAR for the European Championship in Germany two years prior. His sudden death has shocked the football community in the Netherlands. There is no evidence linking his absence from the World Cup to his death. De Telegraaf reported that police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
