Referee Rob Dieperink Dies at 38. FIFA Previously Removed Him from World Cup Due to Harassment Allegations
The cause of death for the young man from the Netherlands is not yet known. He was found yesterday at his home.
According to De Telegraaf, the police investigated the circumstances of the incident and ruled out the involvement of third parties.
Rob Dieperink was supposed to go to the 2026 World Cup as a video assistant referee (VAR) for the Dutch team, but he was suspended from duty in April.
The reason was a scandal: after a Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina (3:0) held in London, Rob was detained on suspicion of harassment of a 17-year-old.
According to reports, the referee struck up a conversation with the young man in the hotel, during which he touched him and tried to lure him into his room. Dieperink was released on bail and fully cooperated with the investigation.
Two weeks later, the police closed the case due to lack of evidence.
The cause of death for the young man is not yet known.
Rob Dieperink had been working as a referee in professional football in the Netherlands since 2012. He initially officiated matches in the First Division, and from 2017 — also in the Eredivisie (top league). He also worked internationally as part of the VAR team during the 2024 European Championship in Germany.
Dieperink was also expected to participate in this summer's World Cup as part of the Dutch refereeing team led by Danny Makkelie. However, Rob was banned from entry after his arrest in London in April of this year on suspicion of sexual assault. He was planned to return to officiating next season.
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