Dutch official Rob Dieperink passes away at 38, just weeks following his exclusion from the World Cup.

Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has passed away at the age of 38, just weeks after being removed from FIFA's roster of video assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed his death in a statement, honoring one of the nation’s most esteemed match officials. The details surrounding his death have not been revealed. "We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the loss of Rob Dieperink. With Rob, we lose a highly esteemed referee, but above all, a compassionate and dedicated colleague," stated the KNVB. FIFA also shared its condolences in light of the news. "On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends, as well as to the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace," said the world governing body. Dieperink was initially chosen as a video assistant referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was taken off FIFA's officiating team a month prior to the tournament amid allegations of sexual assault involving a minor. Reports indicate that the investigation was later closed due to a lack of evidence. Dieperink had consistently refuted the claims. "It deeply saddens me that I have been wrongly accused," he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf following the emergence of the allegations. "From the start, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also provided complete transparency to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB." Dieperink had officiated in the Eredivisie since 2017 and served as a VAR official at UEFA Euro 2024. His exclusion from the World Cup was regarded as a significant disappointment after initially being named among FIFA's selected officials. Tributes have continued to flood in from across the football community in response to the news of his passing.