A would-be World Cup ref is dead two months after being dropped from the tournament over sexual assault allegations.
Dutch official Rob Dieperink, 38, was removed from the World Cup in May following an arrest from the Metropolitan Police in London. Dieperink, who had been set to serve as a VAR official at the tournament, was suspected of sexually assaulting an underage boy but the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Now, it’s been announced that Dieperink has died, with the Dutch Football Association saying they are “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news.
“With Rob, the refereeing community loses a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, a fine and dedicated colleague,” they said.
“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in coping with this great loss.”
Following his removal from the World Cup, Dieperink told De Telegraaf that he had been “wrongly accused” and was “disappointed” to miss out on the World Cup.
“From the beginning, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately provided full disclosure to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB (Dutch FA),” he said.
“I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they have handled this matter.”
Dieperink, who debuted as a ref in 2012, was arrested by police in London following a Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said that Dieperink was arrested following an alleged incident in Croydon, South London.
However, police later determined that “the evidential threshold had not been met.”
The Dutch official worked a game as recently as last weekend, when he oversaw Go Ahead Eagles’ friendly with Apollon on Saturday.
Dieperink was ultimately replaced by Frenchman Willy Delajod at the World Cup.
