World Cup‑dropped referee dies prematurely at just 38

Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has passed away at the age of 38. He was found dead at his home in the Netherlands, according to the Royal Dutch Football Association. His sudden death has cast a pall of sorrow over the entire football world.

Dieperink had been selected for the 2026 World Cup refereeing panel. However, he was dropped from the tournament after a 17‑year‑old girl in London filed a complaint of sexual assault against him. Last April, following a Conference League match he officiated, London police arrested him. Although all charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence and he was declared innocent, he never returned to the World Cup stage.

In his final interview, given to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Dieperink expressed his frustration and regret. He said, "I was accused completely unjustly. I cooperated fully with the police investigation from the very beginning. FIFA's decision to exclude me from the World Cup is extremely unfortunate."

Dutch police have not released any details regarding the cause of Dieperink's death. Mourning his untimely passing, the Dutch FA wrote on social media: "We are deeply saddened by the death of Rob Dieperink. We have not only lost a valuable referee, but also an exceptionally kind and dedicated colleague."  (Source: Reuters)