The global football governing body, FIFA, has decided to remove Dutch official Rob Dieperink from his duties at the upcoming World Cup 2026, following his arrest in the United Kingdom last month on accusations of sexual assault against a minor. The incident occurred after he served as a VAR assistant during the European Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina on April 9.
According to reports, Dieperink was detained at his hotel shortly after the game. However, after a thorough investigation, the police decided to drop the case due to a lack of sufficient evidence, and no charges were filed against the 38-year-old referee.
Despite his cooperation with law enforcement and the subsequent closure of the case, FIFA has confirmed that Dieperink will no longer be part of the officiating team for the World Cup, which is set to begin on June 11. The Dutchman was initially included on the list of VAR officials for the tournament.
In an interview with the Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, Dieperink expressed his disappointment and sadness over the situation. He stated, “It deeply saddens me that I have been falsely accused. From the very beginning, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and have been completely transparent with FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB.”
He added, “The accusations have been proven false, and the case was dismissed within two weeks following a thorough and proper investigation by the police. I am grateful for the support I received from the KNVB and the way they handled this matter. It is unfortunate that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup. Naturally, I am very disappointed about this.”
A spokesperson for the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) also commented on the matter, stating, “We advocate for a safe and ethical football culture at all levels and take reports of inappropriate conduct seriously. Of course, we believe that a Dutch referee must have an impeccable character, but we also consider it essential that he has the opportunity to tell his side of the story and is not wrongfully accused.”
The KNVB representative further noted, “In this specific case, the police in the United Kingdom conducted an investigation and subsequently closed the case. Rob Dieperink has been fully cooperative and completely open with the KNVB from the start. Based on all available information, we see no reason not to assign him to matches in the Dutch league.”