Dutch referee Rob Dieperink, who was dropped from the World Cup after being arrested in the UK earlier this year on suspicion of sexual assault, has died at the age of 38. The Dutch football association (KNVB) announced the news on Monday, expressing shock and deep sadness.
KNVB statement and cause of death
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.' The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Arrest and dropped charges
Dieperink was arrested in his London hotel room on April 9, shortly after serving as VAR for Crystal Palace's UEFA Conference League match against Fiorentina. He was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on a teenage boy, but following an investigation, he was not charged and the case was dropped due to lack of evidence.
He had been on FIFA's list of VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup in North America but was stood down a month before the tournament began. In a May interview with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Dieperink said: 'It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused. From the start, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately provided full transparency to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB. The allegations have been refuted and the case was dismissed within two weeks following an adequate and thorough investigation by the police.' He added: 'I am grateful for the support I received from the KNVB and the way they handled this matter. It is unfortunate that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup anymore. I am naturally disappointed about that.'
Career and recent activity
One of the Netherlands' top referees, Dieperink officiated in the Eredivisie since 2017 and served as VAR at Euro 2024. Just two days before his death, he refereed a pre-season friendly between Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles and Cypriot side Apollon.
