Top Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from the World Cup officiating list due to an arrest on suspicion of sexual assault in the United Kingdom. The Dutch Football Association announced his death, and local media reported police were conducting an investigation in the street where Dieperink lived. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Dieperink was slated to officiate at the World Cup but was dropped by FIFA after his arrest. He had been accused of unwanted touching and attempting to lure a teenage boy to his hotel room in April, prior to officiating a UEFA Conference League match. He was arrested upon his return from the game in front of other UEFA officials.
The case against Dieperink was later dismissed by the Metropolitan Police due to a lack of evidence. A spokesperson stated that after a thorough investigation, including CCTV and digital device examination, the evidential threshold had not been met, and no further action would be taken.
Dieperink had expressed his sadness at being wrongly accused and his disappointment at missing the World Cup. He told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he had fully cooperated with the police investigation and provided full transparency to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB (Dutch FA). He expressed gratitude for the support from the KNVB.
The Dutch FA released a statement expressing shock and deep sadness at his passing, recognizing him as a highly valued referee with international experience and a dedicated colleague. Their thoughts were with his family and friends.
Dieperink began refereeing in the Netherlands' top division, the Eredivisie, in 2017. He served as a VAR official at the 2024 European Championship and was recognized internationally as a top-tier referee. He had officiated a friendly match between Go Ahead Eagles and Apollon FC on the Saturday prior to the news of his death.