By Benson Judge | Published: July 14, 2026 | Sources: Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and FIFA.
ZEIST, Netherlands — Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink, an internationally recognized match official who officiated in the Dutch Eredivisie and on the FIFA stage, has died at the age of 38, according to confirmations from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and FIFA.
Neither organization disclosed a cause of death, and no additional details surrounding his passing have been released.
Dieperink’s death comes only weeks after he was removed from FIFA’s list of officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following legal proceedings in the United Kingdom that ultimately concluded without criminal charges.
KNVB and FIFA Confirm His Passing
The KNVB announced Dieperink’s death in a statement, describing his passing as a significant loss to Dutch football. FIFA also acknowledged the news, paying tribute to his years of service as an international referee.
At the time of publication, both organizations have refrained from commenting on the circumstances surrounding his death, and the family has not publicly released additional information.
A Career Built on Years of Professional Officiating
For more than a decade, Rob Dieperink established himself as one of the Netherlands’ respected football officials.
After progressing through the Dutch refereeing system, he became a familiar figure in the Eredivisie, the country’s top professional football division, where he officiated numerous high-profile league fixtures.
His performances earned recognition beyond domestic competition, leading to appointments in UEFA and FIFA competitions. Colleagues frequently described him as a composed official known for his fitness, technical understanding of the Laws of the Game, and calm management of high-pressure matches.
His elevation to FIFA’s international referee panel represented the culmination of years of dedication and consistent performances at the highest levels of Dutch football.
World Cup Removal Followed Legal Investigation
Earlier this year, Dieperink’s professional career came under intense public scrutiny after he was arrested by London’s Metropolitan Police in April on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenager.
Authorities later determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed, and the investigation was closed without charges being filed.
Throughout the process, Dieperink consistently denied the allegations and maintained his innocence.
In the weeks that followed, FIFA removed him from its list of officials being considered for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Neither FIFA nor the KNVB publicly detailed the reasoning behind the decision beyond acknowledging changes to the officiating roster.
It is important to note that Dieperink was never convicted of, nor charged with, any criminal offense related to the investigation.
Remembering His Contribution to Dutch Football
Despite the difficult final months of his professional career, many within Dutch football remember Dieperink for the years he devoted to officiating the sport.
Refereeing at the professional level requires extensive physical preparation, continual assessment, and mastery of football’s evolving laws. Officials operate under constant public scrutiny while making split-second decisions that can influence the outcome of matches watched by millions.
Dieperink’s appointment to domestic and international competitions reflected the confidence placed in his abilities by football’s governing bodies over many seasons.
Tributes Continue Across the Football Community
Following confirmation of his death, tributes from fellow referees, football organizations, and supporters began appearing across social media, with many expressing condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
As of publication, funeral or memorial arrangements have not been publicly announced.
His death marks the loss of a referee whose career reflected years of commitment to professional football and whose sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of sympathy throughout the Dutch and international football communities.
Editorial Note
This article reflects information officially confirmed by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and FIFA. It also accurately distinguishes between publicly reported legal proceedings and verified judicial outcomes. The criminal investigation referenced above concluded without charges after authorities determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed. No official cause of death has been announced.