Digital Phablet – Dutch referee Rob Dieperink passed away at 38 weeks after being barred from participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Argentina-Egypt referee François Letexier closes Instagram account after unfair refereeing backlashThe Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced Rob Dieperink’s passing on Monday, July 13, describing it as “a profound loss”.
A spokeswoman expressed: “It is with shock and profound sadness that we have learned of Rob Dieperink’s death.”
Initially expected to serve as a video assistant referee (VAR), Dieperink was removed from the World Cup roster following a Croydon police investigation, which prevented him from officiating due to an ongoing Metropolitan Police inquiry.
The Dutch official was detained on April 8 following allegations of sexual assault involving a teenage boy. Authorities from MET police examined his digital devices before ultimately dropping the case due to insufficient evidence.
A police spokesperson stated: “On Thursday, April 9, officers responded to a report of sexual assault against a teenage boy at an address in Croydon. A man in his 30s was subsequently detained on suspicion of sexual assault.”
“After completing a comprehensive investigation—including CCTV review and digital device analysis—they concluded that the evidence was not enough to proceed further. No additional action will be taken,” the spokesperson added.
Digital Phablet – Dutch referee Rob Dieperink passed away at 38 weeks after being barred from participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Argentina-Egypt referee François Letexier closes Instagram account after unfair refereeing backlashThe Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced Rob Dieperink’s death on Monday, July 13, calling it “a significant loss”.
A spokesperson shared: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Rob Dieperink.”
Expected to serve as a video assistant referee (VAR), Dieperink was removed from the World Cup due to a Croydon police investigation, which prevented him from officiating as authorities looked into allegations involving him.
The official was detained on April 8 following claims of sexual assault involving a teenage boy. Metropolitan Police examined his digital devices before concluding the case was unfounded due to lack of evidence.
A police spokesperson explained: “On Thursday, April 9, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy at an address in Croydon. A man in his 30s was subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of sexual assault.”
“Following a thorough investigation—including digital device analysis and CCTV reviews—they found the evidence insufficient to move forward. No further actions will be taken,” the spokesperson added.