Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has passed away just weeks after being dropped from his role as an official at this summer’s World Cup.
The 38-year-old had been selected to serve as a video assistant referee at the tournament before FIFA removed him from its list of officials in May.
Dieperink was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April following a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy at an address on Wellesley Road, Croydon.
The case was subsequently dropped after officers concluded the evidential threshold had not been met following a thorough investigation.
His cause of death has not been disclosed by any official party, leaving the circumstances of his passing unclear.
The Netherlands’ football association, the KNVB, confirmed his death and described themselves as “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news.
“With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague,” the KNVB said in a statement.
“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in processing this great loss.”
FIFA also paid tribute, saying it learned of the news with “great sadness” and extending condolences to his family and the Dutch Football Association.
Dieperink had refereed in the Eredivisie since 2017 and previously served as a VAR official at Euro 2024, establishing himself as one of the most experienced officials in Dutch football.
Following his removal from the World Cup, Dieperink gave an interview to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf in which he maintained his innocence throughout.
“It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused,” he said, expressing gratitude for the support he had received from the KNVB.
“From the beginning, I have fully cooperated in the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB,” he added.
He also acknowledged his disappointment at FIFA’s decision, saying: “It is a pity that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup any more, of course I am disappointed about that.”
Dieperink had been VAR official for Crystal Palace’s 3-0 Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg win over Fiorentina on 9 April, just hours before police responded to the initial report.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers had reviewed all available evidence, including CCTV footage and digital devices, before concluding no further action would be taken against him.
