Dutch referee Rob Dieperink dies weeks after being dropped from World Cup
- FIFA referee Rob Dieperink died suddenly on Monday at age 38, just weeks after FIFA removed him from the 2026 World Cup roster despite sexual assault charges being dropped.
- Dieperink was arrested in April by the Metropolitan Police in London following Crystal Palace's 3-0 victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League on allegations of sexually assaulting an underage boy.
- The Metropolitan Police dropped the case in May, confirming to The Athletic that "the evidential threshold had not been met." Dieperink stated the allegations were refuted and dismissed within two weeks after investigation.
- Despite the case closure and KNVB backing, FIFA opted to remove Dieperink from World Cup matches, stating "We stand for a safe and honest football culture at all levels." The Dutch Football Association called him "a highly valued referee with international experience."
- Dutch police are investigating the circumstances of Dieperink's death as the cause remains unknown, with officers spotted at his residence on Monday during the ongoing inquiry.
181 Articles
181 Articles
The Netherlands Football Federation confirmed the death of the 38-year-old whistle
The Netherlands Football Federation confirmed the death of the thirty-eight-year-old collegiate.
Dutch arbiter Rob Dieperink, who had been appointed to the 2026 World Cup and later removed due to a police investigation, has died at the age of 38, according to the Netherlands Football Federation, which did not provide further details of the event.
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink, who was originally appointed to the World Cup but was ultimately removed from the list, has died at the age of just 38.
News has come from the Netherlands of the death of football referee Rob Dieperink. The 38-year-old was selected to officiate at the biggest sporting event of the year before the start of the World Cup, but was subsequently removed due to allegations of sexual abuse of an underage boy. The Dutch referee officiated at the last European Championship.
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