Dutch referee Rob Dieperink dies weeks after teenager sexual abuse probe was dropped

Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from FIFA's list of match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom that was later closed without further action.

Dieperink, who had been selected as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the tournament, was withdrawn from the officiating panel in May after news emerged that he had been arrested in April in connection with an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy.

The Metropolitan Police later concluded that the available evidence did not meet the required threshold, and the case was dropped without any charges being filed.

His death was confirmed by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), which said it was ‘shocked and deeply saddened’ by the loss of one of its respected officials.

The association described Dieperink as a dedicated referee and a valued colleague, while extending its condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. No cause of death has been announced.

FIFA also expressed its condolences, saying it had learned of Dieperink's death with ‘great sadness’ and offered sympathy to his family, friends and the KNVB.

Before his World Cup appointment was withdrawn, Dieperink had established himself as one of the Netherlands' leading officials. He had refereed in the Eredivisie since 2017 and served as a VAR at UEFA Euro 2024.

He also officiated as VAR during Crystal Palace's UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final victory over Fiorentina in April.

Following FIFA's decision to remove him from the World Cup roster, Dieperink maintained that he had been wrongly accused.

In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, he said he had fully cooperated with investigators from the outset and had been transparent with FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB throughout the process.

While expressing disappointment over losing his World Cup role, he thanked the Dutch football association for the support it had shown him during the investigation.

According to the Metropolitan Police, officers responded to a report of an alleged sexual assault at a property in Croydon on April 9.

A man in his 30s was arrested, and investigators examined CCTV footage, digital devices and other evidence before determining that there was insufficient evidence to pursue the case further. No further action was taken. The circumstances surrounding Dieperink's death remain undisclosed.