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Sport
Dutch referee Rob Dieperink, excluded from 2026 World Cup, dies at 38
Herz — Sport Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink, aged 38, died on July 13, 2026, weeks after being removed from the 2026 World Cup roster. FIFA had withdrawn him from its list of officials in May 2026, following his arrest by Metropolitan Police in Croydon in April. Police closed the investigation—which concerned an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenager—finding insufficient evidence. The cause of death has not been disclosed. The KNVB and FIFA expressed their condolences.
- Dieperink, 38, died on July 13, 2026; cause remains unknown.
- FIFA removed him from the 2026 World Cup roster in May 2026.
- Metropolitan Police arrested him in Croydon in April 2026.
- The investigation was closed due to insufficient evidence.
- The KNVB and FIFA offered condolences to his family.
What we know
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink died on July 13, 2026, at age 38, according to the BBC. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Active in the Eredivisie—the top tier of Dutch professional football—since 2017, Dieperink served as a video assistant referee (VAR) at Euro 2024.
FIFA had selected him as a VAR official for the 2026 World Cup before withdrawing him from its roster in May 2026.
Timeline
- 2017Dieperink begins officiating as a referee in the Eredivisie.
- Summer 2024He is designated as a VAR official at UEFA Euro 2024.
- April 9, 2026Dieperink serves as VAR in the UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina (3-0). The same day, British Metropolitan Police arrest him at Wellesley Road, Croydon, following an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenager.
- May 2026Metropolitan Police close the investigation without charges, determining that the threshold of proof has not been met. FIFA removes Dieperink from its roster for the 2026 World Cup.
- After May 2026Dieperink grants an interview to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, claiming he was falsely accused and fully cooperated with police.
- July 13, 2026The death of Rob Dieperink, 38, is announced. The KNVB and FIFA express sadness and offer condolences.
The April 9, 2026 arrest and police investigation
On April 9, 2026, British Metropolitan Police arrested Dieperink at an address on Wellesley Road, Croydon, following an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenager.
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