Dutch referee Rob Dieperink, removed from World Cup 2026 list, found dead at 38

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has announced the death of referee Rob Dieperink at the age of 38. According to Dutch media, police discovered his body on a street near his home. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of death. Dieperink had been included in the preliminary list of officials for the 2026 World Cup but was later removed following allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a minor before a Conference League quarterfinal last season. Although the case was dropped due to lack of evidence, the referee was still barred from working at the tournament. Dieperink began his officiating career in the 2011/12 season and made his Eredivisie debut in late 2017. Over his career, he took charge of 284 matches and frequently served as a video assistant referee in international competitions.