New Delhi: Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, weeks after he was dropped from FIFA’s official shortlist for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Dieperink was appointed Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the match but was removed in May following a British police investigation. The case was later closed due to lack of evidence. The cause of his death has not been determined.
Dutch football mourns the death of Dieperink
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) paid tribute to Dieperink, calling him a respected referee and friend.“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Rob Dieperink. With Rob’s death, the world of football has lost a referee who is highly respected in the international arena, but above all, we have lost a great friend.“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who was dear to him.
FIFA is filing a complaint
FIFA also expressed its condolences following news of Dieperink’s death.“On behalf of the entire football community, we offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends and to the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace.”Why Dieperink was fired FIFA World CupDieperink was arrested by London’s Metropolitan Police in April following reports that she had been sexually assaulted by a teenage boy.However, the investigation was later dropped due to lack of evidence.After the decision to remove him from the list of FIFA World Cup officials, Dieperink told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he was “accused.”
Dieperink work
Dieperink began managing professional football in the 2011–12 season and made his Eredivisie debut at the end of 2017.During his career, he oversaw 284 games and built a reputation as the best VAR operator in the world.He was part of the lead-up to UEFA Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics later that year. He also worked regularly in European club competitions.Dieperink acted as VAR assistant in the 2024 Europa League final between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen and was appointed as VAR for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar in December 2024.
