Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has been dropped by FIFA for the upcoming World Cup following his arrest in London last month on suspicion of sexual assault against a teenage boy, though the case has since been closed due to lack of evidence.
Incident and Investigation
Dieperink, 38, was serving as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina on April 9. After the game, he was arrested in his hotel room on suspicion of sexual assault involving a teenage boy. Following a thorough investigation, the Metropolitan Police decided not to charge him, and the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Dieperink maintained his innocence throughout, stating that he fully cooperated with authorities. In an interview with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, he expressed his disappointment: “It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused. From the start, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately provided full transparency to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB. The allegations have been refuted and the case was dismissed within two weeks following an adequate and thorough investigation by the police.”
FIFA's Decision
Despite the case being dropped, FIFA decided not to include Dieperink on its list of VAR officials for the World Cup, which begins on June 11. Dieperink confirmed his removal, saying, “It is unfortunate that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup anymore. I am naturally disappointed about that.”
KNVB's Response
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) issued a statement supporting Dieperink, emphasizing the importance of due process. “We stand for a safe and ethical football culture at all levels and always take reports of inappropriate behaviour seriously,” a spokesperson said. “Naturally, we believe that a Dutch referee must be of impeccable character, but we also consider it important that he gets the chance to tell his story and is not wrongly accused. In this specific case, the police in the United Kingdom investigated the matter and dropped it. Rob Dieperink has provided full cooperation and been completely open with the KNVB from the very beginning, and based on all available information, we see no reason not to appoint him for matches in the Dutch league.”
However, the KNVB decided to remove Dieperink from his VAR duties for the Eredivisie match between NEC and Go Ahead Eagles this Sunday, citing the impact of the news. He was replaced by Clay Ruperti. “Given the reporting and the impact of the news on Rob, we are removing him from the weekend schedule, in his interest and in the interest of the match,” the KNVB added.
Police Statement
The Metropolitan Police initially stated after Dieperink’s arrest: “Police attended and arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of sexual assault. He has since been bailed pending further investigation. Inquiries are ongoing and the teenager continues to receive support from specialist officers.” No further comment has been provided since the case was closed.
