Referee Death Probe
Dutch World Cup Referee Rob Dieperink Dies; Police Investigate After Sexual Assault Case Dismissed
Key Points
The alleged incident took place in a London hotel after Crystal Palace's 3-0 win over Fiorentina, with Dieperink arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy; the case was later dismissed.
Dieperink had been selected to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a video assistant referee, accompanying Netherlands’ Danny Makkelie.
The case against Dieperink was reported as dropped due to lack of evidence, with authorities not pursuing charges.
Dutch police are investigating Dieperink's death; reports indicate police are carrying out an investigation following a deceased person in the street where he lived.
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from FIFA's 2026 World Cup officials list following his arrest on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy in London, according to The Mirror. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed his death and said it was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the news.
Dutch police are now investigating his death. The Sun reported that officers launched an inquiry after a person was found deceased on the street where Dieperink lived. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Arrest in London Hotel After Crystal Palace Match
The alleged incident took place in a London hotel following Crystal Palace's 3-0 win over Fiorentina. Daily Mail reported that Dieperink was arrested in the UK on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy. He was taken into custody but later released pending further investigation.
The case was ultimately dropped. Authorities decided not to bring charges after the evidential threshold was not met, meaning there was not enough evidence to pursue a prosecution. No formal charges were ever filed against Dieperink.
FIFA Axed Him From the 2026 World Cup List
Dieperink had been selected to work at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a video assistant referee, or VAR — a replay official who helps the on-field referee make key calls. He was set to join his Dutch colleague Danny Makkelie's team at the tournament, according to Express.
After the arrest became public, FIFA moved quickly. The governing body confirmed it had removed Dieperink from its official list of World Cup match officials. No replacement was immediately named. FIFA did not comment further on the circumstances of his removal.
KNVB Praises His Career, Offers Condolences
The Dutch Football Association released a statement mourning Dieperink's death. The KNVB praised his refereeing credentials and called him a respected figure in Dutch football. The association offered condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, according to The Mirror.
Dieperink had built a strong reputation before the allegations surfaced. He was considered one of the top referees in the Netherlands and had earned his place on FIFA's international list. The KNVB did not share details about the cause or circumstances of his death.
Police Investigation Underway, Key Details Still Unknown
Dutch police confirmed they are investigating Dieperink's death. The Sun reported that officers responded after he was found on the street near his home. No foul play has been confirmed, and investigators have not publicly ruled anything in or out.
The cause of death remains unknown. Dieperink was just 38 years old. The legal case in the UK closed without charges, but the wider story around his final weeks — including his removal from the World Cup and his sudden death — remains unresolved, according to The Mirror.
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