Rob Deperinck: Dutch referee dies aged 38, weeks after World Cup exit

Dutch soccer referee Rob Deperinck has died, weeks after he was dropped from World Cup duties following a police investigation in the UK.

Deperinck was selected as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official at this summer’s tournament, but was dropped from FIFA’s list of World Cup officials in May.

The 38-year-old was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April following reports of sexual assault against a teenage boy, but the case was dropped due to lack of evidence.

The Netherlands’ football association, the KNVB, said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by Deperink’s death.

His cause of death has not been disclosed.

“With Rob, we lost a very valuable referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague,” KNVB said in a statement.

“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and all those who loved him. We wish them strength and support during this great loss.”

Deperinck has refereed in the Eredivisie since 2017 and was a VAR official at Euro 2024.

In an interview with a Dutch newspaper after being eliminated from the World Cup, Dieperinck said he had been “wrongly accused”. telegraph, outsider.

“It saddens me that I have been wrongly accused,” he said.

“From the beginning, I fully cooperated with the police investigation and immediately gave complete openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they have dealt with this case. It is a pity that FIFA has decided not to recruit me for the World Cup, of course I am disappointed.”

Dipperinck was the VAR in Crystal Palace’s 3–0 Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg win over Fiorentina on 9 April.

A Metropolitan Police statement said: “On Thursday, April 9, officers responded to a report of sexual assault against a teenage boy, which occurred at an address in Wellesley Road, Croydon.

“A man in his 30s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

“Officers have completed a thorough investigation and reviewed all available evidence, including collecting CCTV and examining digital devices.

“Following these inquiries, they concluded that the evidentiary threshold was not met. No further action will be taken.”