RIP. World Cup 2026 referee passes away
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
Rob Dieperink was just 38 years old, and the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Details: The Royal Dutch Football Association has officially announced the death of referee Rob Dieperink. The 38-year-old official's cause of death remains undisclosed.
Dieperink had been named to the officiating team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he was set to serve as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR). However, in May, FIFA removed the Dutch official from the tournament's list of match officials.
The decision came after Dieperink was detained by London police in April on suspicion of sexual assault involving a minor. After reviewing CCTV footage and digital evidence, the case was closed due to insufficient evidence, and no charges were brought against the referee.
Dieperink himself insisted the accusations were baseless. According to the official, he fully cooperated with the police from the very beginning, and provided all necessary information to FIFA, UEFA, and the Royal Dutch Football Association.
The federation stated they are shocked and deeply saddened by the referee's passing.
“With Rob, the football world has lost a highly respected referee with international experience, and we have lost, above all, a wonderful colleague. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who cared for him,” the statement reads.
Dieperink had been working in professional football since the 2011/12 season, and officiated his first Eredivisie match at the end of 2017. In total, he oversaw 284 professional matches, and also served as a Video Assistant Referee at Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympic Games.
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