Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink, 38, was found dead in his home. A few weeks ago he was excluded from the World Cup – where he should have held the role of VAR assistant – following a police investigation for sexual assault against a teenager in London, where he was for Crystal Palace-Fiorentina. The case was later dropped due to lack of evidence, with the whistleblower cooperating fully with the investigation.
The condolences of the Dutch Football Federation
The Dutch Football Federation, the KNVB, said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by Dieperink’s death, without disclosing the cause of his death. «With Rob we lose a referee of great value, but above all a kind colleague dedicated to his work – the federation declared in a statement – Our thoughts go to his family, friends and all those who loved him. We wish them much strength and support to overcome this serious loss.”
The career of Rob Dieperink
Dieperink had been refereeing in the Eredivisie since 2017 and had been a Var referee at the 2024 European Championships after being an assistant in the Europa League final won by Atalanta. In total, he refereed 284 matches in professional football.