Rob Dieperink, a Dutch referee with international experience, has died at the age of 38, the KNVB confirmed on Monday.
Authorities were dispatched to Dieperink’s residence in the municipality of Borculo. While an official cause of death has not been released by the Dutch police, foul play has been completely dismissed, according to De Telegraaf.
Dieperink had been officiating within the ranks of Dutch professional football since 2012 and functioned as a VAR during Euro 2024 in Germany, supporting fellow Dutch referee Danny Makkelie.
Dieperink was slated to join Danny Makkelie’s officiating crew for the 2026 World Cup, once again operating as a VAR, but was removed from the tournament following an occurrence in London this past May.
The match official had been taken into custody after the UEFA Conference League fixture between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina, facing suspicion regarding three offenses, including an alleged sexual assault involving a 17-year-old minor.
London authorities subsequently dropped all accusations due to an absence of proof. Nonetheless, Dieperink was left off the roster of match officials for the final tournament across the USA, Mexico, and Canada, and received no additional match appointments through the conclusion of the season.
Dieperink addressed the situation in the Dutch publication De Telegraaf in May, steadfastly maintaining his innocence.
“It deeply troubles me to have been falsely accused,” Dieperink stated.
“From the very beginning, I have cooperated entirely with the police inquiry and have likewise been completely transparent with FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB. The claims have been disproven and, following a meticulous and proper investigation by law enforcement, the matter was dismissed within a fortnight.
“I am thankful for the backing I have been given by the KNVB and the manner in which they managed this situation. It is a shame that FIFA opted against selecting me for the World Cup; naturally, I am let down by this decision.”
FIFA justified his removal by noting their requirement to deploy only officials demonstrating unblemished conduct at the World Cup, with Frenchman Willy Delajod taking over his spot on the VAR squad.
KNVB organized for his comeback for the upcoming campaign
The KNVB had been organizing since June to reintegrate Dieperink back into officiating duties. The head of refereeing, Raymond van Meenen, stated that the objective was for him to return to action after the summer intermission.
“This occurrence had a profound effect. He is currently feeling reasonably well and we intend to assist him as extensively as possible through the full trajectory. Every effort is centered on his return to the pitch and reclaiming his position as a VAR after the summer,” Raymond van Meenen remarked.
Dieperink marked his debut as a referee in March 2012 and directed nearly 100 fixtures in the Eredivisie. He likewise operated on the global stage as a VAR official and belonged to the refereeing contingents present at Euro 2024.
“We are stunned and deeply saddened by the death of referee Rob Dieperink. In Rob, the officiating circle loses a highly esteemed referee possessing international experience, but above all, an exceptional and devoted peer.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who valued him. We wish them great fortitude and comfort in navigating this immense loss,” the KNVB expressed in an official statement.
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