World Cup referee Rob Dieperink dies aged 38 weeks after axing over UK arrest

Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after he was withdrawn from FIFA’s list of officials for this summer’s World Cup. The Eredivisie official’s death was confirmed by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), with Dutch police now investigating the circumstances, though the cause remains unknown.

Dieperink had been named as part of the Netherlands’ officiating contingent for the 2026 finals, set to serve as a video assistant referee alongside compatriot Danny Makkellie. He was stood down by FIFA after being arrested in April by the Metropolitan Police, following an allegation of sexual assault against a teenage boy at a hotel in London in the aftermath of Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Fiorentina.

The Met Police later confirmed to reporters that the case against him had been dropped, stating in May that “the evidential threshold had not been met” and that no further action would be taken. Despite the case being closed without charge, Dieperink’s removal from FIFA’s World Cup roster was not reversed before his death.

KNVB pays tribute to “valued” official

In a statement, the KNVB said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by his passing. “With Rob, the refereeing community loses a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, a fine and dedicated colleague,” the association said, adding: “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.”

Dieperink was a well-established figure in Dutch football, having built a reputation officiating in the Eredivisie before his selection for a role at the World Cup. His involvement in the 2026 tournament as a VAR alongside Makkellie would have marked one of the highlights of his career, before the arrest in London derailed those plans.

Investigation into cause of death ongoing

Dutch authorities have not yet disclosed how Dieperink died, with enquiries continuing. His death comes at a sensitive moment for football’s governing bodies, with questions likely to be raised about the handling of his suspension from World Cup duties given that the criminal case against him was ultimately dropped.

FIFA had removed Dieperink from its list of officials for the tournament following the arrest, a decision taken before the Metropolitan Police concluded there was insufficient evidence to proceed. Neither FIFA nor the Metropolitan Police have yet issued further comment on his death.

Sources

• The Mirror
• dailymail.com

This is an independent report written from the facts across the sources named above.