Football – Dutch Referee Rob Dieperink Dies After Sudden End to World Cup Role
Football –The football community is mourning the death of Dutch referee Rob Dieperink, whose passing comes just weeks after he was removed from FIFA’s list of match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was 38 years old. The cause of his death has not been made public. Dieperink had built a respected career in domestic and international football, making his death a significant loss for the sport.
Dutch Football Association Pays Tribute
The Royal Dutch Football Association expressed profound grief over Dieperink’s death, describing him as a highly respected official with valuable international experience. In its statement, the association said football had lost not only an accomplished referee but also a valued colleague. It extended its sympathies to his family, friends, and everyone close to him, wishing them strength during this difficult time.
FIFA Offers Condolences
FIFA also released a message of sympathy following the news. The world football governing body conveyed its heartfelt condolences to Dieperink’s family, friends, and the Dutch Football Association, acknowledging his contribution to the game and offering prayers for his peaceful rest.
World Cup Appointment Ended Earlier This Year
Dieperink had originally been selected to work as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, in May he was removed from FIFA’s official list of tournament referees after becoming involved in a police investigation in the United Kingdom.
The investigation began after the Metropolitan Police received a complaint alleging the sexual assault of a teenage boy. Dieperink was arrested in April in connection with the case. Authorities later ended the investigation without filing charges, citing insufficient evidence to proceed.
Following FIFA’s decision to remove him from the World Cup officiating panel, Dieperink maintained that he had been wrongly accused. In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, he said the allegations against him were false.
Distinguished Career in Professional Football
Dieperink started officiating in Dutch professional football during the 2011-12 season and steadily established himself among the country’s leading referees. He oversaw his first Eredivisie fixture in late 2017 and went on to referee 284 professional matches throughout his career.
Beyond domestic football, he earned recognition as a Video Assistant Referee at the international level. His appointments reflected the confidence placed in his technical abilities and experience in major competitions.
Experience at Europe’s Biggest Tournaments
Over the years, Dieperink served on officiating teams at several high-profile events. He worked as a VAR during the UEFA European Championship in 2024 and was also involved in football matches at the Olympic Games held the same year.
His experience extended to European club competitions, where he was regularly assigned important fixtures. During the 2024 UEFA Europa League final between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen, he served as an assistant VAR. Later that year, in December, he was selected as a VAR official for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar, adding another major international tournament to his résumé.
Dieperink’s career reflected years of involvement at the highest levels of football officiating. His unexpected death has prompted messages of sympathy from football authorities and colleagues, who have remembered him for both his professional commitment and his contribution to the game.