FIFA removes referee after arrest in sexual‑assault case involving a teenage boy ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Dutch referee Rob Dieperink was removed from FIFA’s list of officials for the 2026 World Cup after he was arrested in the United Kingdom last month, although the case has since been closed.

Dieperink was working as a VAR during Crystal Palace’s Conference League match against Fiorentina on April 9 when he was taken into custody in his hotel room following allegations of sexual assault involving a teenage boy.

After an investigation, no charges were filed against him and the police dropped the case because of insufficient evidence.

Dieperink, who says he fully cooperated with the police, had been named among FIFA’s VAR officials for the upcoming World Cup, but he has confirmed that he will not take part in the tournament, which starts on June 11.

In an interview with De Telegraaf, Dieperink said, “It deeply saddens me that I have been falsely accused. From the beginning, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and have provided complete transparency to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB. The allegations were disproved, and the case was dismissed within two weeks after a thorough police investigation. I am grateful for the support from the KNVB and how they handled the situation. It is regrettable that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup, and I am disappointed.”

A KNVB representative said, “We advocate for a safe and ethical football culture at all levels and take reports of inappropriate conduct seriously. We believe a Dutch referee must have impeccable character, but we also think it is essential that he has the chance to present his side and is not wrongfully accused. In this case, the UK police investigated and subsequently dropped the case. Rob Dieperink has fully cooperated and been transparent with the KNVB from the start, and based on all available information, we see no reason not to appoint him for Dutch league matches.”