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 2026 FIFA World Cup.Dieperink was selected to work as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the tournament but was removed in May after an investigation by the police in Britain. The case was later closed due to lack of evidence. The cause of his death has not been made public.
Dutch football mourns Dieperink’s death
The football association of the Netherlands (KNVB) paid tribute to Dieperink, calling him a respected referee and colleague.“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Rob Dieperink. With Rob’s death, the football world has lost a respected referee with international experience, but above all, we have lost a wonderful colleague.“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those he loved. We wish them much strength and comfort as they come to grips with this great loss.”
FIFA offered its condolences
FIFA also expressed its sympathy following the news of Dieperink’s death.“On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends and to 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 following a report of an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage boy.However, the investigation was later dropped due to lack of evidence.Following the decision to remove him from the list of FIFA World Cup officials, Dieperink told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he was “wrongly accused.”
Dieperink Race:
Dieperink began officiating professional football in the 2011-12 season and refereed his first Eredivisie match in late 2017.In his career, he officiated 284 professional matches and built a strong reputation as a VAR official on the international stage.He is part of the officiating team at UEFA Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympic Games later that year. He also often works 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.