The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has announced the death of referee Rob Dieperink at age 38. Dieperink, an official in the Dutch league since 2017, had previously lost his selection for the 2026 World Cup video assistant referee (VAR) team following a legal incident in London involving allegations of sexual assault.
KNVB Confirms Death of Rob Dieperink
The KNVB expressed that it was “surprised and deeply saddened” by the loss of Dieperink. In an official statement, the organization described him as a “kind and committed colleague” and a valued official with international experience. Dieperink debuted in 2012 in the Dutch second division before officiating in the league of his home country since 2017.
Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. The exact cause of death remains unknown.
Did you know? Rob Dieperink had been selected as part of the video refereeing team for the 2026 World Cup before his disqualification.
The London Incident and 2026 World Cup Fallout
Dieperink’s career faced a disruption in April when he was detained at a hotel in London, United Kingdom. He was suspected of sexual assault against a 17-year-old and other offenses. However, these accusations were later withdrawn due to a lack of evidence.
Despite the eventual withdrawal of charges, the scandal had professional consequences. Dieperink had been selected to serve as part of the video refereeing team for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Because of his involvement in the scandal, he lost that designation.
Vetting Standards for International Match Officials
Industry Insight: Dieperink had been selected for the 2026 tournament cycle as part of the video refereeing team.
Comparison: Career Timeline vs. Legal Timeline
| Year/Period | Professional Milestone | Legal/Status Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Debuted in Dutch 2nd Division | N/A |
| 2017 | Officiated in Dutch league | N/A |
| April (Recent) | Selected for 2026 World Cup VAR | Detained in London; charges later withdrawn |
| Post-Incident | Lost World Cup designation | Investigation into death opened |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rob Dieperink?
Rob Dieperink was a 38-year-old Dutch football referee who officiated in the Netherlands’ league since 2017 and was an experienced international official.
Why was he removed from the 2026 World Cup?
He was removed after being detained in London on suspicion of sexual assault of a 17-year-old. Although the charges were later dropped for lack of evidence, the scandal led to the loss of his VAR designation.
What caused Rob Dieperink’s death?
The cause of death is currently unknown; police are investigating the circumstances.
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