Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died just weeks after being removed from the list of officials selected for the World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.
Dieperink was selected as the video assistant referee (VAR) for this summer's tournament, but in May his name was removed from the list of World Cup referees by FIFA.
The 38-year-old was arrested by London's Metropolitan Police in April after a complaint of sexual assault against a teenager. However, the case was closed due to a lack of sufficient evidence.
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said it was "shocked and deeply saddened" by Dieperink's death. The cause of his death has not been made public.
"With Rob we lose a highly regarded referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague," the KNVB said in a statement.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who loved him. We wish them strength and support to cope with this great loss."
FIFA also reacted to the news, saying it learned of it with "great sadness."
"On behalf of the entire football community, we express our deepest condolences to his family and friends, as well as to the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace," the organization's statement said.
Dieperink has been officiating matches in the Dutch football championship, the Eredivisie, since 2017 and was part of the VAR referee team at the 2024 European Championship.
After being removed from the World Cup squad, he said in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he had been "unfairly accused".
"I am very saddened by the fact that I have been unjustly accused," he said at the time.
"From the beginning I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and immediately showed full transparency towards FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB. I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and for the way they have handled this matter. It is unfortunate that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup. Of course I am disappointed."
