Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, prompting tributes from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and colleagues across the game. The association announced his death on Monday but did not disclose the cause.
Dieperink’s passing comes only weeks after he was removed from FIFA’s list of match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision followed a police investigation in the United Kingdom that was later concluded without any further action being taken.
KNVB Pays Tribute to Long-Serving Official
In a statement, the KNVB said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by Dieperink’s death, describing him as both a respected referee and a valued colleague.
The Dutch governing body offered its condolences to his family, friends and everyone who knew him, saying they wished them strength during a difficult period.
Investigation Led to World Cup Removal
Dieperink had originally been selected to serve as a video assistant referee (VAR) at this summer’s World Cup before FIFA removed him from the officiating panel in May.
The change followed an investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police after an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy. Police said officers gathered evidence, including CCTV footage and digital material, before concluding that the evidential threshold for further action had not been met. The case was closed with no further action taken.
Following his removal from the World Cup roster, Dieperink publicly maintained that he had been wrongly accused. He said he had cooperated fully with investigators and had informed FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB throughout the process, while expressing disappointment at losing his World Cup appointment.
Career Included Eredivisie and International Appointments
Dieperink established himself as one of the Netherlands’ leading match officials over the past decade. He had refereed in the Eredivisie since 2017 and also earned international recognition through appointments as a VAR official, including at UEFA Euro 2024.
Before the investigation became public, he had been selected by FIFA for a role at the 2026 World Cup, reflecting his standing within elite European officiating.
Football Mourns a Sudden Loss
The announcement of Dieperink’s death has been met with sadness across Dutch football, where he was regarded as an experienced and dedicated official. While the circumstances surrounding his death have not been made public, the KNVB’s tribute highlighted both his professional contributions and his personal character.
His death closes a difficult chapter that had seen his international career interrupted by an investigation that ended without charges. As the football community reflects on his career, attention is likely to remain on the legacy he leaves after years of officiating at the highest levels of Dutch and European football.
