Dutch FIFA referee Rob Dieperink dies at 38

Rob Dieperink, a 38-year-old Dutch FIFA referee, has died, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed. The federation said the cause of death had not yet been disclosed. Dieperink had been selected as a video assistant referee for this year's World Cup but was removed from the list in May after London police took him into custody. Authorities later closed the investigation that led to his arrest, citing insufficient evidence, according to the KNVB's statement. He had officiated matches in the Dutch top flight, the Eredivisie, since 2017 and served as a VAR official at last year's European Championship. In a condolence message, the Dutch federation described Dieperink as a distinguished referee and a devoted colleague, expressing shock and sadness at his death. No further details about the circumstances surrounding his passing were immediately available.