NEW DELHI: Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after he was removed from FIFA’s list of officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026.Dieperink had been selected to work as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the tournament but was dropped in May following a police investigation in Britain. The case was later closed due to a lack of evidence. The cause of his death has not been made public.
Dutch football mourns Dieperink’s death
The Netherlands’ football association (KNVB) paid tribute to Dieperink, calling him a respected referee and colleague.“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Dieperink. With Rob’s passing, the football world has lost a highly regarded referee with international experience, but above all, we have lost a wonderful colleague.“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.”
FIFA offers condolences
FIFA also expressed its sympathy following the news of Dieperink’s death.“On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace.”Why Dieperink was removed from FIFA World CupDieperink was arrested by London’s Metropolitan Police in April after a report of an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage boy.However, the investigation was later dropped because of a lack of evidence.Following the decision to remove him from FIFA’s World Cup officials list, Dieperink told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he had been “wrongly accused.”
Dieperink career
Dieperink began officiating in professional football during the 2011-12 season and refereed his first Eredivisie match in late 2017.Over his career, he took charge of 284 professional matches and built a strong reputation as a VAR official on the international stage.He was part of the officiating team at UEFA Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympic Games later that year. He also regularly worked in European club competitions.Dieperink served as assistant VAR in the 2024 Europa League final between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen and was appointed VAR for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar in December 2024.
