World3 min(s) read
Published 09:31 14 Jul 2026 GMT
Further details have emerged following the death of Dutch referee Rob Dieperink, who had originally been selected for the 2026 World Cup before being removed from FIFA's officiating team.
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said it was "shocked and deeply saddened" following the sudden death of referee Rob Dieperink, weeks after he was removed from FIFA's World Cup officiating list despite an investigation into sexual assault allegations being dropped by authorities.
Dutch media reported on Monday that the 38-year-old had died unexpectedly. Police were later seen outside the street where Dieperink lived, with authorities confirming they were investigating the death of a man. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
In a statement, the KNVB paid tribute to the official, saying: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of referee Rob Dieperink. With Rob, the refereeing community loses a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, a fine and dedicated colleague."
The association added: "Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in coping with this great loss."
It had been reported by The Athletic that Dieperink had been arrested in London following Crystal Palace's 3-0 Europa Conference League victory over Fiorentina. He was later released without charge, and in May the Metropolitan Police confirmed the case had been dropped after concluding "the evidential threshold had not been met."
Although the KNVB continued to back the referee, FIFA opted to remove him from the group of Dutch match officials selected for this summer's World Cup in North America.
Explaining its position, the Dutch FA said: "We stand for a safe and honest football culture at all levels and always take reports of unwanted behaviour seriously."
The governing body continued: "Obviously, we think that a Dutch referee should be of unquestionable behavior, but we also think it is important that he gets the chance to tell his story and not be wrongly accused."
It added that British police had "investigated and closed the case," and said: "Rob Dieperink has cooperated fully and given openness to the KNVB from the very beginning, and based on all available information, we see no reason not to appoint him for matches in the Dutch league."
Dieperink had been due to serve as a video assistant referee as part of Daniel Makkelie's officiating team before FIFA decided against including him at the tournament.
Speaking to De Telegraaf after learning of the decision, Dieperink admitted he was devastated.
"It makes me very sad that I have been wrongly accused," he said. "I fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB."
He continued: "The allegations were refuted and the case was dismissed within two weeks after an adequate and thorough investigation by the police."
Dieperink also thanked the Dutch FA for standing by him, saying: "I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they have dealt with this case."
He concluded: "It is a pity that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup, I am of course disappointed about that."
