NEW DELHI: Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after he was dropped from the FIFA officials list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Dieperink had been selected to work as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the tournament, but was dropped in May following a police investigation in Great Britain. The case was later closed due to a lack of evidence. The cause of his death was not made public.
Dutch football mourns Dieperink’s death
The Dutch football association (KNVB) paid tribute to Dieperink, calling him a respected referee and colleague.“We are shocked and very saddened by the death of Rob Dieperink. With the passing of Rob, the football world has lost a highly respected referee with international experience, but above all, we have lost a wonderful colleague.“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who was dear to him. We want a lot of strength and comfort as they face this great loss.”
FIFA offers its condolences
FIFA also expressed its sympathy following the news of Dieperink’s death.“On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends and to the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace.”Because Dieperink was removed from FIFA World CupDieperink was arrested by London’s Metropolitan Police in April following a report of an alleged sexual assault involving a teenager.However, the investigation was later dropped due to a lack of evidence.Following the decision to remove him from the list of FIFA World Cup officials, Dieperink told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he had been “wrongly accused”.
career Dieperink
Dieperink began officiating in professional football during the 2011–12 season and refereed his first Eredivisie match at the end of 2017.During his career, he took charge of 284 professional matches and built a strong reputation as a VAR official on the international stage.He was part of the officiating squad at UEFA Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympic Games later that year. He also regularly worked in European club competitions.Dieperink served as assistant VAR in the 2024 Europa League final between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen and was appointed VAR for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar in December 2024.