Dutch referee Rob Dieperink dies after being dropped from World Cup

Dutch referee Rob Dieperink dies after being dropped from World Cup

Rob Dieperink, a 38-year-old Dutch football referee, has died weeks after being removed from the World Cup officiating list following a police investigation in the United Kingdom. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced it was shocked and deeply saddened by the news, describing Dieperink as a fine and dedicated colleague and a highly valued referee with international experience.

Dutch police are currently conducting an investigation following a deceased person in the street where Dieperink lived. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Dieperink had been selected to serve as a video assistant referee (VAR) at the 2026 World Cup, where he was intended to accompany Danny Makkellie. However, FIFA removed him from the list of officials in May. The decision followed an April arrest by the Metropolitan Police in London on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy.

The allegations centered on an incident at an address on Wellesley Road, Croydon, in South London. Dieperink had flown into the UK to officiate a UEFA Conference League quarter-final first-leg match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina on 9 April, which Crystal Palace won 3-0. He served as the VAR for that game. Reports indicate he was accused of unwanted touching and attempting to entice the boy to his hotel room; he was arrested in front of other UEFA officials upon his return from the midweek game.

The Metropolitan Police stated that officers reviewed digital devices and CCTV as part of a thorough investigation. Ultimately, the police concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met and no further action was taken. The case was dismissed within two weeks of the investigation.

Despite the dismissal of the case, FIFA maintained its decision to leave Dieperink at home for the tournament. He was replaced by French official Willy Delajod. Speaking to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Dieperink stated he had been wrongly accused and expressed disappointment over FIFA's decision.

"From the beginning, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately provided full disclosure to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB," Dieperink said. "It is a pity that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup, of course I am disappointed about that."

Rob Dieperink, referee, via De Telegraaf

While FIFA distanced itself from the official, the KNVB backed Dieperink. The association stated that while referees should be of unquestionable behaviour, it was important that he not be wrongly accused. The KNVB noted that based on available information, there was no reason not to appoint him for matches in the Dutch league.

Dieperink had been refereeing since 2012 and began officiating in the Eredivisie, the top flight of Dutch football, in 2017. His international resume included serving as a VAR official at Euro 2024. He remained active in the sport until shortly before his death, overseeing a friendly match between Apollon FC and Go Ahead Eagles on Saturday, which Apollon won 3-0. He was scheduled to return to the Eredivisie this season.

Raymond van Meenen, the Netherlands manager of refereeing affairs, previously noted that Dieperink had been tremendously impacted by the aftermath of the arrest. Van Meenen had stated the association was providing optimal support to help him return to the field as a referee and VAR after the summer, including preparing him for potential mass chants and abuse from fans.

FIFA also expressed great sadness upon learning of the death and extended condolences to Dieperink's family, friends, and the Dutch Football Association.