Overview
- Police completed an on-site investigation at Dieperink’s home on Monday, July 13, 2026, and said someone was found dead at the address while excluding the involvement of other persons.
- Dieperink rose through Dutch professional refereeing from 2012 and worked in the Eredivisie from 2017, serving internationally as a VAR at EURO 2024 and the 2024 Olympics.
- He was arrested in London in April on suspicion of assault; prosecutors later dropped three charges for lack of evidence but FIFA removed him from its World Cup appointments.
- The KNVB had temporarily sidelined him, then accompanied and supported his recent supervised return to the field in a friendly match before his death.
- The municipality of Berkelland and the KNVB expressed shock and condolences, and authorities declined to disclose the cause of death while saying privacy prevents further details; the case could prompt renewed attention to how governing bodies handle fitness and appointment decisions for match officials.