Dutch referee dropped from World Cup dies mysteriously

Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after being dropped from the FIFA World Cup panel just before the tournament began.

Dieperink was selected as one of the Netherlands' main video assistant referees for the World Cup, working alongside Danny Makkelie. However, in April, he was arrested at a London hotel over allegations of sexually assaulting a teenager, leading FIFA to suspend him from the World Cup panel.

The case was dropped by British police in May due to insufficient evidence. Despite being cleared, FIFA did not reinstate him for the tournament, leaving Dieperink "deeply disappointed."

The Dutch Football Association expressed shock and grief over his sudden death. "With Rob's passing, the referees' association has lost a highly valued and internationally experienced referee, but above all a dedicated colleague," the association said in a statement.

Dieperink had started his refereeing career in the Netherlands' top flight in 2017 and officiated 84 matches in the Eredivisie. He also officiated at Euro 2024 in Germany as a video assistant referee. His last match was on May 3, 2024.