KNVB, the Dutch football association, described his death as ‘a great loss’
Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died weeks after he was dropped from the World Cup following a Croydon police investigation. Dieperink was due to be a video assistant referee (VAR) at the tournament but was blocked from officiating due to the Met probe.
The 38-year-old was arrested on April 8 after officers responded to a report of sexual assault against a teenage boy. Detectives gathered CCTV and examined his digital devices before the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
A force spokesperson said: “On Thursday, April 9, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy, which occurred at an address in Croydon. A man in his 30s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
“Officers completed a thorough investigation and reviewed all available evidence, including gathering CCTV and examining digital devices. Following these enquiries, they concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met. No further action will be taken.”
KNVB, the Dutch football association, announced Dieperink’s death on Monday, July 13, describing it as “a great loss”. A spokesperson said: “It is with shock and deep sadness that we have learnt of the death of Rob Dieperink.
“With Rob’s passing, the football world has lost a highly regarded referee with international experience, but above all, we have lost a wonderful colleague. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who was dear to him. We wish them much strength and comfort as they come to terms with this great loss.”
Dieperink became a referee in 2012 and refereed 284 matches in professional football. He served as a VAR official in international football and was part of the refereeing team at the 2024 European Championships and Olympics in the same year.
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