Death announced by Dutch FA after police inquiry in Croydon closed with no charges
The Dutch football association has confirmed the death of Rob Dieperink, aged 38, the referee who was stood down from FIFA’s 2026 World Cup officiating team earlier this year following a Metropolitan Police investigation originating in Croydon. The KNVB said on Monday, 13 July, that colleagues had learned of his passing with shock and deep sadness. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Dieperink, who had been selected as a video assistant referee (VAR) for this summer’s tournament in North America, was removed from FIFA’s list in May after he was arrested in April on suspicion of sexual assault relating to an allegation involving a teenage boy at an address in Croydon. The Met has now reiterated that the case was brought to a close with no further action after officers concluded the evidential threshold had not been met.
“On Thursday, 9 April, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy at an address in Croydon. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. Following a thorough investigation, including review of CCTV and digital devices, officers concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met. No further action will be taken,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.
Tributes from Dutch football authorities
Announcing the news, the KNVB paid tribute to Dieperink as a respected match official and colleague with international experience. In its statement, the association expressed condolences to his loved ones and the refereeing community.
“We have learned with shock and deep sadness of the passing of Rob Dieperink... the football world loses a valued referee with international experience, and above all, a fine colleague. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends,” the KNVB said.
Dieperink began refereeing at professional level in the 2011–12 season and took charge of his first Eredivisie fixture in 2017, according to the Dutch FA.
Croydon timeline and official actions
The sequence of events involving Croydon and international football authorities is set out below:
| Key date | Event |
|---|---|
| 9 Apr | Metropolitan Police attend an address in Croydon; a man in his 30s is arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. |
| May | FIFA confirms Dieperink is removed from the list of VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup. |
| 13 Jul | KNVB announces Dieperink’s death at the age of 38. |
The police investigation, which included examination of CCTV and digital material, ended without charges. The conclusion underscores that criminal allegations must pass a high evidential bar before a prosecution can proceed.
Local impact and context
Although the allegation was reported in Croydon, the Met’s determination means there will be no court process arising from the incident. For the local community, the case highlights both the speed at which high-profile safeguarding inquiries can unfold and the importance of due process when serious claims are made. For football, the episode is a reminder of how off-field investigations can affect appointments to international tournaments, even when they do not result in charges.
Dieperink’s removal from the World Cup list in May had immediate implications for officiating rosters, with governing bodies required to adjust assignments close to the tournament start. The KNVB’s statement reflects the personal loss felt across the refereeing fraternity in the Netherlands and internationally.
What we know at a glance
- Death confirmed: The KNVB announced the death of Rob Dieperink, 38, on Monday, 13 July.
- Met investigation: Arrest in April at a Croydon address; case closed with no further action after evidence review.
- World Cup impact: Dieperink was removed from FIFA’s VAR list in May ahead of the 2026 tournament in North America.
Police have not released additional details beyond the statement confirming the end of the inquiry. The KNVB has not provided further information regarding the circumstances of the referee’s death. This article will be updated if either organisation issues new guidance.
