Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died just weeks after being dropped as an official at the World Cup.
The 38-year-old had been selected to be a video assistant referee (VAR) official, but was removed from FIFA’s list in May.
A month prior in April, he was arrested by Metropolitan Police in the UK following a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy. However, the case was dropped because of a lack of evidence.
Dieperink’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
The Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) said they were ‘shocked and deeply saddened’ by Dieperink’s death.
‘With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague,’ the KNVB said in a statement.
‘Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in processing this great loss.’
FIFA said it learned of the news with ‘great sadness’.
‘On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace.’
After he was dropped from the World Cup, Dieperink said he had been ‘wrongly accused’ in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
‘It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused,’ he said.
‘From the beginning, I have fully cooperated in the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB.
‘I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way in which they have dealt with this case. It is a pity that Fifa has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup any more, of course I am disappointed about that.’
Speaking about the incident at the time, a Metropolitan Police statement, read: ‘On Thursday, 9 April, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy, which occurred at an address on Wellesley Road, Croydon.
‘A man in his 30s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
‘Officers completed a thorough investigation and reviewed all available evidence, including gathering CCTV and examining digital devices.
‘Following these enquiries, they concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met. No further action will be taken.’
