Netherlands Referee Dies Weeks After World Cup Axe
Retold by Oddsrama · 13 July 2026
The Dutch football community is mourning the death of referee Rob Dieperink, whose passing was announced by the Dutch Football Association on Monday, weeks after a deeply troubling period that saw him removed from World Cup 2026 duties. Dieperink, who had been selected as an official for the tournament, was dropped from FIFA's roster following his arrest in the United Kingdom on allegations of sexual assault involving a teenager.
The incident that led to his removal occurred while Dieperink was in England to officiate a UEFA Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina. The arrest and subsequent allegations triggered a rapid response from football's governing bodies, effectively ending his involvement in next summer's World Cup. In their tribute, the KNVB expressed deep shock at his passing, acknowledging his standing as an experienced and respected figure within the refereeing profession.
Dieperink had built a solid career in Dutch football since turning professional in 2012. He became an Eredivisie official from 2017 onwards and earned recognition at international level, including a role as Video Assistant Referee during Euro 2024 in Germany. His removal from the World Cup squad marked a dramatic fall from what appeared to be a promising trajectory in elite-level football. The circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed, though it comes at a point of considerable personal and professional difficulty.
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