Soccer referee dead weeks after World Cup firing over sexual assault allegations
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- Dutch referee Rob Dieperink, who was removed from the World Cup over sexual assault allegations, has died at the age of 38, prompting shock and condolences from the Dutch Football Association.
- Dieperink was arrested in London on suspicion of sexually assaulting an underage boy, but the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence.
- He maintained his innocence, stating he was "wrongly accused" and expressed disappointment at missing the World Cup, while cooperating fully with investigations.
- Despite the allegations, Dieperink continued refereeing matches until recently and was replaced at the World Cup by French official Willy Delajod.
- The Dutch FA praised Dieperink as a valued and dedicated referee and extended support to his family and friends following his death.
