Dutch soccer referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just months after he was removed from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Dieperink had been scheduled to serve as a VAR official at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico before FIFA removed him from the roster in May.
The decision followed his arrest by the Metropolitan Police in London on suspicion of sexually assaulting an underage boy.
The case was later dropped after authorities determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
World Cup Soccer Referee Dies at 38
The Dutch Football Association said it was "shocked and deeply saddened" by Dieperink's passing.
"With Rob, the refereeing community loses a highly valued referee with international experience. But above all, a fine and dedicated colleague," the governing body said in a statement.
"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."
Following his removal from the World Cup, Dieperink maintained that he had been "wrongly accused". He said that he was "disappointed" to lose his place at the tournament.
"From the beginning, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately provided full disclosure to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB (Dutch FA)," he said.
"I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they have handled this matter."
Career Spanned More Than 280 Matches
Dieperink began his refereeing career during the 2011-12 season and steadily rose through the ranks of Dutch and European soccer.
He was arrested in London following a UEFA Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina.
Police said at the time that the Dutch official had been arrested following an alleged incident in Croydon, south London.
The case was later discontinued after prosecutors concluded that "the evidential threshold had not been met."
Although FIFA replaced Dieperink at the World Cup with French official Willy Delajod, he continued refereeing following the conclusion of the investigation.
His most recent appointment came last weekend, when he officiated a friendly between Go Ahead Eagles and Apollon.
Across his career, Dieperink refereed 284 matches.
He also served as a VAR official at UEFA Euro 2024 and was the assistant VAR for the 2024 Europa League final between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen.
