Dutch referee Rob Dieperink, dropped from World Cup 2026, dies at 38
Synopsis
Rob Dieperink was set for the biggest stage in football — the FIFA World Cup 2026 — before a British police case upended everything. The charges were dropped for lack of evidence, he publicly denied wrongdoing, and then, weeks later, he was dead at 38. The cause of death remains undisclosed, leaving football's officiating community in shock.
Key Takeaways
Rob Dieperink , Dutch football referee and VAR official, has died at age 38 ; cause of death has not been disclosed.
He was removed from FIFA World Cup 2026 officiating duties in May 2025 after his arrest by the Metropolitan Police in April on a sexual assault allegation.
The police case was dropped due to lack of evidence ; Dieperink told De Telegraaf he had been 'wrongly accused.' He refereed 284 professional matches since the 2011/12 season and officiated at the 2024 Euros , 2024 Olympics , and the 2024 Europa League final .
Both the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and FIFA have issued formal condolences to his family.
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink, who was removed from FIFA World Cup 2026 officiating duties following a police case in Britain that was subsequently dropped, has died at the age of 38. His cause of death has not been disclosed. The news has sent shockwaves through the international football community.
What Happened
Dieperink had been selected as a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) official for the FIFA World Cup 2026 before being removed from FIFA's official list of match officials in May 2025. The removal followed his arrest by the Metropolitan Police in April on a report of sexual assault against a teenage boy — a case that was later dropped due to a lack of evidence. Dieperink subsequently told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he had been 'wrongly accused.'
Tributes from Football Bodies
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) expressed deep grief over his passing. '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,' the association said in an official statement. It added: '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 also offered its condolences, stating: '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.'
A Decorated Career in Football
Dieperink had been active as a professional football referee since the 2011/12 season. He took charge of his first Eredivisie match in late 2017 and went on to officiate a total of 284 matches in professional football. At the international level, he served as a VAR official at both the 2024 European Championship and the 2024 Olympic Games. He was also regularly appointed to UEFA European club competition matches.
Among his most prominent assignments was the 2024 Europa League final between Atalanta Bergamo and Bayer Leverkusen, where he served as an assistant VAR. In December 2024, he was appointed as a VAR official for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar.
Context and What Comes Next
Dieperink's death comes weeks after one of the most turbulent periods of his career — removed from the world's biggest football stage under a cloud of allegations that were ultimately not substantiated. His passing raises difficult questions about the welfare of sports officials facing high-profile legal scrutiny, particularly when charges are dropped before any adjudication. The football world awaits further details on the circumstances of his death, which authorities and his family have not yet made public.
Point of View
At 38, with the cause undisclosed, adds a layer of tragedy that makes that question harder to defer.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rob Dieperink?
Rob Dieperink was a Dutch professional football referee who began his career in the 2011/12 season and went on to officiate 284 matches. He was an internationally recognised VAR official who worked at the 2024 European Championship, the 2024 Olympics, and the 2024 Europa League final.
Why was Rob Dieperink removed from the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Dieperink was removed from FIFA's list of World Cup 2026 officials in May 2025 after he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April on a report of sexual assault against a teenage boy. The case was later dropped due to a lack of evidence, and Dieperink said he had been 'wrongly accused.'
What was the outcome of the police case against Dieperink?
The Metropolitan Police case against Dieperink was dropped due to a lack of evidence. No charges were formally filed. Dieperink subsequently gave an interview to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf in which he said he had been 'wrongly accused.'
What did FIFA and the Dutch Football Association say about his death?
FIFA extended its 'sincerest condolences' to his family, friends, and the Dutch Football Association, saying 'May he rest in peace.' The KNVB said it was 'shocked and deeply saddened,' describing Dieperink as 'a highly regarded referee with international experience' and 'a wonderful colleague.'
What is known about the cause of Rob Dieperink's death?
As of the latest available reports, the cause of Rob Dieperink's death has not been disclosed by his family or any official authority. He died weeks after being removed from FIFA World Cup 2026 duties.
