Amsterdam: Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died unexpectedly at the age of 38, weeks after being removed from the officiating team for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tragic development was confirmed by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), which expressed shock and grief over the loss of one of its respected officials.
Dieperink had initially been selected as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the ongoing FIFA World Cup but was withdrawn from the list approximately one month before the tournament began following allegations of sexual assault involving a minor. Although the case was later closed due to insufficient evidence, the controversy had already impacted his professional standing.
KNVB and FIFA pay tribute
In an official statement, the KNVB paid tribute to Dieperink’s contribution to Dutch football, highlighting both his professional qualities and personal character.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Dieperink. With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all, a kind and dedicated colleague,” the association said.
Global governing body FIFA also issued a condolence message, extending sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.
“On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace,” FIFA said in its statement.
Career and rise in officiating
Dieperink had built a solid reputation in European football over the past decade. He began officiating in the Netherlands’ top-tier league, the Eredivisie, in 2017 and went on to become a regular presence in high-profile domestic fixtures.
His career reached an important milestone when he served as a VAR official during the UEFA European Championship in 2024, reflecting growing trust in his decision-making abilities and technical expertise.
His inclusion in the preliminary list of officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026 was seen as recognition of his consistent performances and experience at the highest level of the game.
Controversy before the World Cup
However, Dieperink’s World Cup involvement came under scrutiny following allegations that surfaced earlier this year. He was arrested by London’s Metropolitan Police over accusations of sexually assaulting an underage boy.
The allegations led to his removal from FIFA’s officiating roster for the tournament, despite the investigation later being closed due to lack of sufficient evidence.
Responding to the accusations at the time, Dieperink had strongly denied any wrongdoing.
“It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused,” he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. He added that he had fully cooperated with the investigation and maintained transparency with football authorities, including FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB.
The episode reportedly took a personal toll, particularly as it resulted in his exclusion from what would have been a landmark assignment in his career.
Unanswered questions around death
As of now, the exact cause of Dieperink’s death has not been made public. Authorities have not released further details, and it remains unclear whether there were any underlying health or personal factors involved.
The sudden nature of his passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the football community, with colleagues and organisations acknowledging both his professional contributions and personal qualities.
Conclusion
Rob Dieperink’s death marks a tragic moment for Dutch and international football. A referee who had steadily risen through the ranks and earned recognition on major stages, his career was abruptly overshadowed by controversy in its final phase.
While questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his death, tributes from governing bodies and peers underline the impact he had within the game. His passing serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by officials at the highest level and the human stories behind the sport.