Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, the Netherlands Football Federation (KNVB) reported in an official statement. The whistler had initially been designated to be part of the referee team for the 2026 World Cup, although months earlier he was removed from the list by FIFA after being involved in a police investigation that was later archived.

So far, the Dutch body has not announced the cause of the referee's death.

The Netherlands Federation confirmed the death

Through a statement, the federation expressed its regret for the death of Rob Dieperink, who had an outstanding career in professional football in his country.

“We have received with deep sadness and shock the news of the death of Rob Dieperink,” said the Dutch federation.

The referee began his career in professional football during the 2011/12 season and officiated his first match in the Eredivisie at the end of 2017. Throughout his career he accumulated 284 matches in professional football.

FIFA removed him from the 2026 World Cup referee team

Rob Dieperink had been selected by FIFA to serve as a VAR room referee during the 2026 World Cup.

However, the organization decided to remove him from the list in May, after the referee was arrested in London a month earlier as part of a police investigation. According to local media, the case was later filed without charges being filed.

At the time, the referee was in the English capital to take part in a UEFA Conference League match between Crystal Palace and AC Fiorentina.

Dutch football fires referee with international experience

The Netherlands Football Federation highlighted the international career of the whistler and mourned his loss.

“The world of football loses a valuable referee with international experience,” the organization said in its official message.

The death of Rob Dieperink has generated consternation in the European refereeing environment, especially due to his recent appointment for the 2026 World Cup and his extensive experience in Dutch professional football.