Dutch referee Rob Dieperink dies aged 38 weeks after World Cup axe

FIFA referee Rob Dieperink has died aged 38, weeks after being stood down from the 2026 World Cup. Dutch police are investigating the cause of death, which remains unknown at this stage.

Dieperink, an Eredivisie official, had been selected as a video assistant referee for the tournament alongside compatriot Danny Makkelie. He was removed from FIFA’s list of officials in April after being arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of sexual assault against a teenage boy following an alleged incident at a London hotel. The arrest came in the aftermath of Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Fiorentina.

The Met Police confirmed in May that the case had been dropped because “the evidential threshold had not been met” and that “no further action” would be taken. Despite the charges being dismissed, FIFA did not reinstate Dieperink to the World Cup roster.

In a statement to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Dieperink had expressed his frustration at the decision. “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. The allegations were refuted and the case was dismissed within two weeks after an adequate and thorough investigation by the police. It is a pity that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup — I am of course disappointed about that.”

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), which employed Dieperink, had publicly backed him throughout the process. In a statement following his death, the KNVB said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news. “With Rob, the refereeing community loses a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, a fine and dedicated colleague. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear.”