Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died, weeks after he was removed from officiating duties at the ongoing FIFA World Cup following his arrest in London over allegations of sexually assaulting a teenage boy. The case was later dropped after police said there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed on Monday that the 38-year-old, who had been an Eredivisie referee since 2017 and also served as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at UEFA Euro 2024, had passed away. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of referee Rob Dieperink," the KNVB said in a statement.
"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."
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Dieperink was arrested in April in London on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy while he was in the city for a UEFA Conference League match.
The Metropolitan Police later dropped the investigation, citing insufficient evidence. Despite this, FIFA removed him from its list of World Cup match officials.
Dieperink officiated 84 Eredivisie matches during his career, with his final top-flight assignment coming in May between PEC Zwolle and Heracles Almelo.