Referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38. The Eredivisie official, who had been removed from officiating duties at this summer’s FIFA World Cup and dropped from their roster of officials, was taken into custody in April by the Metropolitan Police following allegations of sexual assault against an underage boy in London – a case which was subsequently dropped.
Dutch authorities are investigating Dieperink’s death, with the cause yet to be determined.
The Dutch Football Association has expressed being “shocked and deeply saddened” by Dieperink’s passing. In an official statement, they said, via The Mirror: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of referee Rob Dieperink.
- World Cup fans furious as they claim tournament ‘rigged’ amid Argentina VAR win
- FIFA ‘will take no action’ over Argentina’s controversial Falklands song at World Cup
“With Rob, the refereeing community loses a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, a fine and dedicated colleague. 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 had been selected to participate at the 2026 World Cup as part of the Netherlands’ contingent, serving as a video assistant referee alongside Danny Makkelie. However, following news of his arrest in connection with the allegation in England, he was removed from his duties by the governing body.
The 38-year-old was detained after an alleged incident at a London hotel following Crystal Palace’s 3-0 victory over ACF Fiorentina, on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy.
The Met Police confirmed to The Athletic in May that the case had been dropped as “the evidential threshold had not been met” and “no further action” would be taken.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), who employed Dieperink, supported the match official. Meanwhile, in a statement to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the 38-year-old expressed disappointment in FIFA’s decision.
To listen to the latest episode of ‘All Out Soccer’ – CLICK HERE
He said: “It makes me very sad that I have been wrongly accused. I fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB. The allegations were refuted and the case was dismissed within two weeks after an adequate and thorough investigation by the police.
“I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they have dealt with this case. It is a pity that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup, I am of course disappointed about that.”
The KNVB said in a statement, published by The Athletic: “We stand for a safe and honest football culture at all levels and always take reports of unwanted behaviour seriously. Obviously, we think that a Dutch referee should be of unquestionable behavior, but we also think it is important that he gets the chance to tell his story and not be wrongly accused.
“In this specific case, the police in the United Kingdom have investigated and closed the case. Rob Dieperink has cooperated fully and given openness to the KNVB from the very beginning, and based on all available information, we see no reason not to appoint him for matches in the Dutch league.”
Dieperink started officiating in Holland’s top division in 2017 and progressed to the international level as a video assistant, working several matches during the UEFA European Championships in Germany in 2024. He took charge of 84 Eredivisie fixtures with his last match occurring during PEC Zwolle’s 1-0 victory over Heracles Almelo on May 3, 2026.
