The experienced video official died weeks after being removed from the World Cup roster in a case that ended without charges.
ZEIST, Netherlands — Dutch soccer referee Rob Dieperink has died at age 38, the Royal Dutch Football Association announced Monday, weeks after FIFA removed him from its officiating team for the 2026 World Cup following an arrest in London.
The Dutch federation, known as the KNVB, did not disclose when, where or how Dieperink died. His cause of death had not been made public as of Wednesday. The organization said it was shocked by his death and remembered him as a respected, experienced and dedicated official who had worked in Dutch and international soccer.
Dieperink had been selected to serve as a video assistant referee at the World Cup before his removal from the tournament. The decision followed his April arrest in London on suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor. British authorities later ended the investigation without bringing charges after concluding that the available evidence did not support further action.
The allegation was never proven in court, and Dieperink maintained his innocence. Reports said investigators reviewed surveillance footage and material from electronic devices before closing the case. No trial was held, and the referee was not convicted of a crime.
FIFA did not return Dieperink to the World Cup officiating group after the police investigation ended. He said at the time that he was disappointed by the decision and had cooperated with police as well as FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB. French official Willy Delajod reportedly took his place on the tournament roster.
The arrest followed a European club match in London in which Dieperink worked as a video official. The reported incident was alleged to have occurred during that visit. Authorities detained and questioned him before releasing him while the investigation continued. Police later determined that no further action would be taken.
Dieperink began working as a professional referee in the Netherlands more than a decade ago. He became a regular official in the Eredivisie, the country’s top domestic league, and developed particular experience with video review. He also served as a video assistant referee during the 2024 European Championship.
His assignments included hundreds of professional matches in several roles. He worked as the referee on the field, a fourth official and a member of video-review teams. The KNVB described him as a valued colleague whose work had taken him from Dutch competitions to major international events.
Dieperink continued officiating after the London investigation ended. Reports identified a preseason friendly involving Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles and Cypriot side Apollon Limassol as one of his final assignments. The match occurred shortly before the announcement of his death.
The KNVB’s statement focused on Dieperink’s career and the effect of his death on colleagues, friends and relatives. The federation expressed support for those close to him and asked that their loss be treated with respect. It did not address the circumstances surrounding his death.
His death came during the World Cup, where video review and refereeing decisions have drawn intense attention. Dieperink had been expected to participate in that system before his removal. FIFA had not publicly announced any review of its earlier decision following his death.
No evidence has been released connecting Dieperink’s death to the investigation, his removal from the tournament or any other event. With the cause and circumstances undisclosed, claims about why he died remain unconfirmed. The KNVB had not announced additional details or a memorial plan as of Wednesday.
Author note: Last updated July 15, 2026.