Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died weeks after he was dropped from officiating at the World Cup following a police investigation in the UK.
The report indicates that dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died weeks after he was dropped from officiating at the World Cup following a police investigation in the UK.
It further notes that dieperink had been selected to be a video assistant referee (VAR) official at this summer’s tournament, but was removed from Fifa’s list of World Cup officials in May.
The 38-year-old was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April following a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy, but the case was dropped because of a lack of evidence.
The Netherlands’ football association, the KNVB, stated they were “shocked and deeply saddened” by Dieperink’s death.
“With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague,” the KNVB stated in a statement.
“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in processing this great loss.”
Fifa, football’s global governing body, stated it learned of the news with “great sadness”.
“On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace,” it said.
Dieperink had refereed in the Eredivisie since 2017 and was a VAR official at Euro 2024.
After he was dropped from the World Cup, Dieperink stated he had been “wrongly accused” in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, external.
“It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused,” he said.
“From the beginning, I have fully cooperated in the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to Fifa, Uefa and the KNVB.
“I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way in which they have dealt with this case. It is a pity that Fifa has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup any more, of course I am disappointed about that.”
Dieperink was the VAR for Crystal Palace’s 3-0 Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg win over Fiorentina on 9 April.
