Dutch soccer referee Rob Dieperink, 38, has died two months after being removed from his position as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the World Cup. Dieperink had been arrested in London by the Metropolitan Police in May on suspicion of sexually assaulting an underage boy, but the case was subsequently dropped due to insufficient evidence.
The Dutch Football Association confirmed his death, stating they were "shocked and deeply saddened." The association described Dieperink as "a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, a fine and dedicated colleague." Their statement extended condolences to his family and friends.
Following his removal from the World Cup, Dieperink had told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he believed he was "wrongly accused" and expressed disappointment at missing the tournament. He stated his full cooperation with the police investigation and his immediate disclosure of the situation to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB (Dutch FA), expressing gratitude for their support.
Dieperink's arrest occurred after a Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina in London. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest was linked to an alleged incident in Croydon, South London, but later stated that "the evidential threshold had not been met."
Dieperink made his refereeing debut in 2012. His most recent match was overseeing a friendly between Go Ahead Eagles and Apollon on the Saturday prior to the news of his death. Frenchman Willy Delajod ultimately replaced Dieperink as a VAR official at the World Cup.