Dutch Referee Rob Dieperink Dies at 38
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after he was removed from FIFA’s list of officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed his death, saying it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the loss of one of the country’s respected match officials. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
“With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague,” the KNVB said in a statement.
The association extended its condolences to Dieperink’s family, friends, and colleagues, wishing them strength during this difficult period.
FIFA Removed Dieperink from World Cup Officials List
Dieperink had originally been selected to serve as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. However, in May, FIFA removed him from the tournament’s officiating team following news of an ongoing police investigation in London.
The decision came after the referee was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April over an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy.
UK Police Dropped the Case
Despite the arrest, the Metropolitan Police later announced that no further action would be taken after investigators found insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.
According to police, officers carried out a comprehensive investigation that included:
- Reviewing CCTV footage
- Examining digital devices
- Collecting witness statements
- Assessing all available evidence
After completing the inquiry, investigators concluded that the evidential threshold required for prosecution had not been met, resulting in the case being closed.
Dieperink Maintained His Innocence
Following FIFA’s decision to remove him from the World Cup officiating team, Dieperink publicly denied any wrongdoing.
In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, he said he had been “wrongly accused” and emphasized that he had fully cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation.
“It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused,” Dieperink said.
He added that he had immediately informed FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB about the investigation and expressed appreciation for the support he received from the Dutch football association.
While acknowledging his disappointment over FIFA’s decision, Dieperink said he respected the process despite losing the opportunity to officiate at one of football’s biggest tournaments.
Successful Refereeing Career
Dieperink had established himself as one of the Netherlands’ leading football officials.
He became an Eredivisie referee in 2017 and later earned international recognition as a VAR official. He was part of the officiating team during UEFA Euro 2024 and continued to receive appointments for major European competitions.
One of his most recent high-profile assignments came on 9 April, when he served as VAR during Crystal Palace’s 3-0 UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina.
Football Community Mourns His Death
Dieperink’s sudden death has shocked the football community in the Netherlands and beyond.
Although his career became overshadowed by the investigation that ultimately resulted in no charges, colleagues have remembered him as a dedicated and respected referee whose contributions to Dutch and European football spanned several years.
The KNVB said it would continue supporting his loved ones as they mourn his passing.
