Rob Dieperink, 38, dies after 2026 World Cup exclusion | OneFootball

Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died aged 38, the KNVB said. The cause of death has not been made public.

He had been removed by FIFA from the final list of officials for the 2026 World Cup after his arrest in April in the UK over an alleged sexual assault involving a 17-year-old. The case was later dropped for lack of evidence, although FIFA kept him off the tournament.

He was remembered as an experienced international official and a valued colleague. Condolences were offered to his family and friends.

Dieperink was detained in London after serving as a VAR assistant in the first leg of the Conference League quarter-final between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina.

The investigation followed a complaint alleging abuse of a 17-year-old and an attempt to take the teenager to his hotel. After reviewing CCTV and electronic devices, detectives found insufficient evidence to proceed and the case was closed without charges.

He made his Eredivisie debut in 2017 and worked mainly as a VAR internationally. He was involved at Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics that year, and acted as AVAR in the Europa League final between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen.

Days before his death he oversaw a pre-season friendly between Go Ahead Eagles and Apollon Limassol.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo