Dutch VAR official Rob Dieperink dies at 38, weeks after being dropped from World Cup

Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from FIFA’s list of officials for the 2026 World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom that was later dropped.

Dieperink was found dead at his home in Borculo, in the eastern province of Gelderland, on Monday, July 13. Local police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of death, which has not yet been disclosed.

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A Rising Career Cut Short

Dieperink had been refereeing professionally since the 2011–12 season and officiated his first Eredivisie match in 2017. Over his career, he took charge of 284 matches. He served as a video assistant referee (VAR) at Euro 2024 and the 2024 Europa League final, and was selected to be part of Danny Makkelie’s VAR team for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

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The London Incident and World Cup Removal

On April 9, Dieperink worked as the VAR for Crystal Palace’s 3-0 Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina at Selhurst Park. Following the match, he was arrested by London’s Metropolitan Police after a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy at an address on Wellesley Road in Croydon.

The Metropolitan Police conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing all available evidence including CCTV footage and digital devices. The case was closed without charges being filed after officers concluded that “the evidential threshold had not been met.”

In May, FIFA removed Dieperink from its World Cup officiating roster.

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“Wrongly Accused” – Dieperink’s Response

At the time of his removal, Dieperink maintained his innocence in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

“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.”

He added: “The allegations were refuted and the case was dismissed within two weeks after an adequate and thorough investigation by the police.” While expressing gratitude for the KNVB’s support, he said it was “a pity” that FIFA had decided not to appoint him.

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KNVB and FIFA Pay Tribute

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said it was “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 said in a statement. “Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear.”

FIFA said it learned of the news with “great sadness,” extending “sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the Dutch Football Association.”

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KNVB Had Stood by Him

Despite the FIFA decision, the KNVB had continued to back Dieperink. “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,” the association said.

Dieperink, born in Borculo on April 18, 1988, is survived by his family. The football community across the Netherlands and beyond is mourning the loss of a referee who had been a fixture in the Eredivisie since 2017.