Dutch soccer referee Rob Dieperink has died on the age of 38, simply weeks after he was faraway from the record of officers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dieperink had been chosen to function a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) on the event earlier than his appointment was withdrawn in Could following a police investigation in the UK.
He was arrested in April over an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy. After a full investigation, authorities concluded there was not sufficient proof to assist the case, and no costs have been filed.
The Royal Dutch Soccer Affiliation described Dieperink as a revered referee and a devoted colleague, whereas FIFA additionally paid tribute to the official and provided condolences to his household and mates.
The reason for his demise has not been made public.
After being faraway from the World Cup officers’ record, Dieperink maintained that he had been wrongly accused. He stated he had totally cooperated with investigators and had stored soccer authorities knowledgeable all through the method. Though disenchanted to overlook the World Cup, he thanked the Dutch Soccer Affiliation for standing by him.
Dieperink turned an Eredivisie referee in 2017 and later established himself as one in every of Europe’s skilled VAR officers. He additionally served as a VAR at UEFA Euro 2024 and officiated in a number of main European membership competitions.
His demise has saddened the soccer neighborhood, bringing an finish to the profession of a referee who labored on the highest ranges of the sport.
