Referee Rob Dieperink, Excluded by FIFA Due to Sexual Assault Investigation, Passes Away

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced the passing of 38-year-old referee Rob Dieperink. Dieperink was on the list of those who would serve as VAR assistants in the World Cup to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

However, the referee had been removed from the squad by FIFA following his arrest in London on allegations of sexually assaulting a child. Although the investigation resulted in all charges being dropped due to insufficient evidence, Dieperink had not been reinstated to his World Cup duties.

According to the newspaper Telegraaf, the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Dieperink's death. Authorities stated that no third parties were involved in the incident. The KNVB expressed great sorrow over the referee's death and extended its condolences to his family.