KNVB Confirms Death Of Rob Dieperink, Months After World Cup Removal
Dutch Referee Rob Dieperink Dies Aged 38
The Dutch football community is in mourning after referee Rob Dieperink passed away at the age of 38.
The KNVB, Dutch Football Association, confirmed the news on Monday. In a statement, the association said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the loss of the official.
“We are losing a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, a fine and dedicated colleague,” the KNVB said.
“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them strength in coping with this great loss.”
Dutch newspaper AD reported that police were investigating after a body was found in the street where Dieperink lived. Authorities have not released a cause of death.
Dieperink had been named in FIFA’s initial list of officials for this summer’s World Cup, but was later removed.
His removal followed an arrest in the UK in April in connection with an allegation made during a trip to officiate a UEFA Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina.
The Metropolitan Police said a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. After reviewing CCTV and digital evidence, they concluded the evidential threshold was not met and took no further action.
At the time, Dieperink said he had been “wrongly accused” and expressed disappointment at missing the World Cup despite being cleared.
“I fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB,” he told De Telegraaf.
FIFA did not give a reason for removing him from the World Cup list.
The Dutch authorities have not linked Dieperink’s death to the earlier UK investigation. Police inquiries into the circumstances of his death are ongoing.