Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died aged 38, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) have confirmed.
Dieperink’s death comes weeks after he was dropped from officiating at the World Cup after being arrested over allegations of sexual assault against a teenage boy in London. The case was later dropped.
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Dieperink was arrested in April, with a Metropolitan Police spokesperson saying: “On Thursday, April 9, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy, which occurred at an address on Wellesley Road, Croydon.
“A man in his 30s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
“Officers completed a thorough investigation and reviewed all available evidence, including gathering CCTV and examining digital devices.
“Following these enquiries, they concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met. No further action will be taken.”
Dieperink had been due to referee at the 2026 World Cup but was removed by FIFA from their list of officials.
Maintaining his innocence, Dieperink told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: “From the beginning, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately provided full disclosure to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB.
“I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they have handled this matter.
“It is unfortunate that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup anymore; I am naturally disappointed about that.”
At the time of the alleged incident, Dieperink had been in London for the Conference League game between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina.
He served as VAR for that quarter-final clash at Selhurst Park.
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In a statement announcing his death, the KNVB said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of referee Rob Dieperink.
“With Rob, the refereeing community loses a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, a fine and dedicated colleague.
“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in coping with this great loss.”
A referee in the Dutch top flight, the Eredivisie, since 2017, Dieperink was as a VAR official at Euro 2024.
He took charge of 84 Eredivisie matches, the last of them between PEC Zwolle and Heracles Almelo in May.
Dieperink’s cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
