Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has passed away at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from FIFA's list of officials for the upcoming World Cup. His removal had followed a UK police investigation that was later dropped due to insufficient evidence.

Tragic loss for Dutch football

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed Dieperink’s death on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of their most respected referees. Having officiated in the Eredivisie since 2017, Dieperink was regarded as a prominent figure in Dutch football and had recently served as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Euro 2024.

In an official statement, the KNVB said: “With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in coping with this immense loss.” The cause of death has not been disclosed.

World Cup dream cut short

According to BBC Sport, Dieperink’s death came during a challenging period in his career. He had initially been selected as a VAR for the upcoming World Cup but was removed from FIFA’s roster in May after a police investigation in London the previous month.

He had travelled to London for a Conference League fixture between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina on 9 April, where he acted as the VAR. His professional future came under scrutiny when the Metropolitan Police launched an inquiry following an incident at a residence on Wellesley Road in Croydon. The investigation ultimately led to his exclusion from the summer’s global football tournament.

Police investigation and cleared charges

The Metropolitan Police released a statement outlining the nature of the inquiry that preceded Dieperink’s removal from the FIFA list. It read: “On Thursday, 9 April, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy at an address on Wellesley Road, Croydon. A man in his 30s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.”

However, the investigation was later closed with no further action taken. The police added: “Officers carried out a comprehensive investigation and reviewed all available evidence, including CCTV footage and digital devices. Following these enquiries, they concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met. No further action will be taken.”

Dieperink maintained his innocence

Before his death, Dieperink had spoken openly about the distress caused by the allegations, asserting his innocence and confirming that the case had been dismissed. Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, he said: “It saddens me deeply that I have been wrongly accused. From the outset, I fully cooperated with the police investigation and was transparent with FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB.”

He also voiced his disappointment at FIFA’s decision to exclude him from the World Cup, while expressing gratitude for the support he received from his national federation. “I am thankful for the support from the KNVB and for how they handled this matter. It is unfortunate that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup anymore; naturally, I am disappointed about that,” he said in his final public remarks.