The world of football is suffering hard blows during this World Cup. First it was the case of Jayden Adams a South African footballer. Today the death of referee Rob Dieperink has become known. This was announced by the Netherlands federation, although without specifying what the cause was.

We have received with shock and deep sadness the news of the passing of Rob Dieperink.

Rob had worked as a professional football referee since the 2011/12 season. At the end of 2017, he officiated his first match in the Eredivisie. In total, he refereed 284 professional football matches.

In addition, Rob had a notable international role as a video assistant referee (VAR). For example, he was part of the officiating team at Euro 2024 and at that same year’s Olympic Games. He was also frequently appointed to matches in European club competitions. During the 2024 Europa League final between Atalanta Bergamo and Bayer Leverkusen, he served as VAR assistant. In December 2024, he was once again appointed as a video assistant referee (VAR) during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar.

A great loss

With Rob’s passing, the world of football loses a valuable referee with international experience, but above all, we lose a great colleague.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who cared about him. We wish them much strength and support to cope with this great loss.

An experienced referee, but a controversial one

As the Dutch federation explains, Dieperink had been a professional referee for more than 15 years. Behind him, he had almost 300 matches officiated as the main referee, including 84 in the Eredivisie. In addition to being part of the refereeing teams that oversaw the 2024 Europa League final, as well as that year’s European Championship and Olympic Games.

And he was going to be one of the referees selected for the World Cup. However, FIFA decided to remove him over an alleged sexual assault against a teenager that took place in May, after the match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina. 

“Despite the serious accusation, the Metropolitan Police of the United Kingdom determined that the evidence was not sufficient to continue with the proceedings, so the case was closed without filing charges against Rob Dieperink. But he still lost the tournament.

“It deeply saddens me to have been unjustly accused. From the beginning, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and have also immediately provided all information to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB. (…) I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they have handled this matter. It is regrettable that FIFA has decided not to call me up for the World Cup; naturally, I am disappointed by that,” he told De Telegraaf.

A completely unexpected piece of sad news. This very Saturday, he officiated the friendly match played between Go Ahead Eagles and Apollon FC.