The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has confirmed that referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38.Dieperink had refereed in professional football since 2011, taking charge of 284 matches, and had officiated in the Eredivisie, the top flight of Dutch football, since 2017.The KNVB said his death as “a great loss” in a statement.In May, Dieperink was dropped by FIFA as a VAR official for this summer’s World Cup after he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April following allegations of sexual assault against an underage boy in London.Dieperink subsequently said that the Met had closed the case, meaning no charges would be brought, with a spokesperson for the force later confirming to The Athletic that “the evidential threshold had not been met” and “no further action” would be taken.
After being dropped from the tournament, Dieperink told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that it was “a pity” that he would not officiate at the World Cup and said he was “very sad that I have been wrongly accused”.“With Rob’s passing, the world of football has lost a highly regarded referee with international experience, but above all, we have lost a wonderful colleague,” the KNVB said on Monday.“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who was dear to him. We wish them much strength and comfort as they come to terms with this great loss.”Dieperink had served as part of the Video Assistant Referee team at Euro 2024 and the 2024 Europa League final.“I fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB,” Dieperink said in May.“The allegations were refuted and the case was dismissed within two weeks after an adequate and thorough investigation by the police.“I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they have dealt with this case. It is a pity that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup, I am of course disappointed about that.”Jul 13, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
