Dutch referee Rob Dieperink dies at 38 after World Cup cut

Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced on Monday, July 13, 2026. His death comes weeks after he was removed from FIFA's list of officials for the 2026 World Cup, which is currently underway.

The KNVB said it was "shocked and deeply saddened" by Dieperink's passing, describing him as a highly valued referee with international experience and a dedicated colleague. Dutch media reported that police were conducting an inquiry following the discovery of a deceased person in the street where Dieperink lived. Authorities have not disclosed a cause of death, and no connection has been suggested between his death and a prior legal matter.

That prior matter involved an arrest in London in April. Dieperink was detained by the Metropolitan Police on April 9 following an allegation of sexual assault against a teenage boy. The arrest occurred after he officiated a UEFA Europa Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina. In May, the Metropolitan Police announced the case was closed without charges, stating that after a thorough investigation, the evidential threshold had not been met and no further...