Overview
- The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed the death of 38-year-old referee Rob Dieperink and issued condolences to his family and colleagues.
- Dutch media citing police sources report he was found dead at home and say investigators exclude involvement by other people while no official cause of death has been released.
- Dieperink was arrested in London in April over an allegation involving a 17-year-old; the case was later archived for lack of evidence.
- The April episode led to his removal from the roster of VAR officials for the World Cup despite his prior international assignments, including VAR duties at Euro 2024.
- Dieperink had been an Eredivisie referee since 2017 and had officiated a club friendly days before his death, and his passing is likely to prompt questions about support and vetting for match officials.