A Career Cut Short
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has confirmed the death of 38-year-old referee Rob Dieperink. A fixture in the Eredivisie since 2017, Dieperink’s passing comes just months after he was removed from the official list of referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dieperink, who had officiated 284 professional matches, was arrested on April 9, 2026, following allegations of sexual assault against a minor. The incident reportedly took place in south London during a Europa Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina. Following a comprehensive inquiry, the Metropolitan Police concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met, and no charges were filed against the referee.
Professional Fallout and FIFA Action
Despite the police investigation clearing him of wrongdoing, the professional consequences for Dieperink were immediate. FIFA opted to remove him from the 2026 World Cup officiating roster in May, a decision Dieperink publicly expressed disappointment over while maintaining his innocence. In a statement to De Telegraaf, he noted that he had fully cooperated with authorities and kept football governing bodies informed throughout the process.
The KNVB expressed deep shock at the news of his death. “With the passing of Rob, the football world loses a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, we lose a fine colleague,” the association stated. FIFA joined in the mourning, offering condolences to his family and the Dutch football community.
Dieperink’s death marks a somber end to a career that included high-profile assignments, such as serving on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team for Euro 2024 and the 2024 Europa League final. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.