Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has reportedly been found dead, weeks after he was withdrawn from officiating duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to French publication L’Équipe, Dieperink had initially been appointed by FIFA as one of the tournament’s Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials before his selection was revoked a month ahead of the competition.

His removal followed allegations of the sexual assault of a minor, prompting FIFA to exclude him from the World Cup officiating team while investigations were underway.

The case was subsequently closed by the relevant authorities due to insufficient evidence, with no charges brought against the Dutch official.

Details surrounding Dieperink’s death remain limited, and the cause of death has not been officially disclosed.

Neither FIFA nor the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) had issued an official statement on the incident at the time of publication.