FIFA drops Dutch referee from World Cup roster over sexual assault arrest

FIFA has removed Dutch referee Rob Dieperink from its list of match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his arrest in London last month over allegations of sexual assault involving a teenage boy.

Dieperink was serving as a VAR official during Crystal Palace’s Conference League clash against ACF Fiorentina on April 9 when he was taken into custody at his hotel after the match.

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The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and digital devices as part of enquiries into the allegations in Croydon.

However, after investigating the claims, police confirmed that Dieperink would not face charges, stating that the “evidential threshold had not been met” and that no further action would be taken.

Despite the case being dropped, FIFA confirmed to The Athletic that the 38-year-old will no longer officiate at the World Cup, which begins on June 11. Sources indicated that French referee Willy Delajod will replace him on the VAR roster.

Dieperink Expresses Disappointment

Dieperink, who said he “fully cooperated” with investigators, expressed disappointment at FIFA’s decision in comments to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

“It makes me very sad that I have been wrongly accused,” he said.

“I fully cooperated with the police investigation and gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB. The allegations were refuted, and the case was dismissed within two weeks.

“It is a pity that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup.”

Dutch FA Backs Referee

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) also backed the referee, insisting that he had been transparent throughout the process and that the police investigation cleared him of wrongdoing.

“We stand for a safe and honest football culture at all levels and always take reports of unwanted behaviour seriously,” the KNVB said in a statement.

“Based on all available information, we see no reason not to appoint him for matches in the Dutch league.”

However, the federation confirmed that Dieperink would not officiate this weekend because of the impact of the media attention surrounding the case.