Referee Rob Dieperink passes away at 38, weeks after being dropped from FIFA World Cup

Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has passed away aged 38, weeks after being removed from the FIFA World Cup 2026 VAR panel. Dieperink was dropped following his arrest in Britain over allegations involving a minor. Police later closed the case without charges due to insufficient evidence. The Dutch football association confirmed his death but did not disclose the cause.