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Dutch soccer referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, months after being removed from officiating duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his arrest in connection with an alleged sexual assault involving a minor.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed Dieperink's death in a statement released on Monday, July 13, expressing its shock and sadness over the loss.
"We have learned with shock and deep sadness the passing of Rob Dieperink," the association said. "With his passing, football loses a highly respected referee with international experience, but above all, we lose a valued colleague."
The KNVB did not reveal the cause of death or provide additional details surrounding the circumstances.
Dieperink began his refereeing career during the 2011-12 season and steadily rose through the ranks of Dutch football. He made his Eredivisie debut in 2017 and later earned international appointments, including serving as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in major competitions.
According to the BBC, Dieperink was arrested in London in April after police received a report alleging the sexual assault of a teenage boy. The incident was reported on Wellesley Road in Croydon, near Selhurst Park, where Dieperink had been working as a VAR during a friendly match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said officers responded to the report on April 9 and arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of sexual assault. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage, examined digital devices and carried out a full investigation before determining there was insufficient evidence to proceed. As a result, no further action was taken.
Despite the case being dropped, FIFA removed Dieperink from the officiating team for the 2026 World Cup, where he had been selected to serve as a VAR official.
Speaking afterward to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Dieperink said he was saddened by the decision and maintained that he had been wrongly accused.
He said he had fully cooperated with police throughout the investigation and had been transparent with FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB. He also thanked the Dutch football association for its support during the investigation.
Dieperink's death comes just days after the passing of South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured in all three of his country's group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup. Adams, 25, was found dead at his home in Cape Town on July 11. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, and no cause has been announced.
