Referee dropped for World Cup dies after intercourse expenses in opposition to underage boy dropped
Rob Dieperink has died aged 38 after the Dutch referee was stood down from going to the 2026 World Cup as the cause of death remains unknown
FIFA referee Rob Dieperink has died suddenly, aged 38.
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) have been left ‘shocked and deeply saddened’ by the death of referee Rob Dieperink. Dutch outlets on Monday reported that the 38-year-old had died suddenly, just weeks after FIFA removed him from their list of officials for the World Cup despite charges of sexual assault against an underage boy being dropped.
It emerged on Monday that police were investigating the death of a man with officers visible in the street where the referee lived, while the cause of the death remains unknown.
The KNVB said in a statement: “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.
“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.”
FIFA referee Rob Dieperink during his final Eredivisie match.(Image: Photo by Pieter van der Woude/BSR Agency/Getty Images))
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Dieperink was arrested in London after Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League and released without charge. The Met Police dropped the case in May, confirming to The Athletic, that “the evidential threshold had not been met”.
The KNVB backed Dieperink, but FIFA took the decision to remove him from the list of Dutch officials travelling to North America for this summer’s World Cup. They said: “We stand for a safe and honest football culture at all levels and always take reports of unwanted behaviour seriously.
“Obviously, we think that a Dutch referee should be of unquestionable behaviour, but we also think it is important that he gets the chance to tell his story and not be wrongly accused. In this specific case, the police in the United Kingdom have investigated and closed the case.
“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.”
Rob Dieperink had been slated to be apart of Danny Makkelie’s team at the World Cup before FIFA’s decision to remove him.(Image: (Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))
The 38-year-old was set to be a video assistant referee as part of Daniel Makkelie’s team at the tournament and in a statement to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, he expressed sadness at the decision.
The 43-year-old has since taken charge of three games during his second World Cup including USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in their group opener as well as France’s 3-0 win over Sweden.
Dierperink said: “It makes me very sad that I have been wrongly accused. 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.
“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.”
