Post by Udeze Nestor (@Nesmoore1)

Rob Dieperink, a 38-year-old Dutch referee and VAR specialist, dreamed of setting foot at the 2026 World Cup. FIFA had already appointed him. But in April, in London, a sexual assault allegation removed him from the list before he could make his debut.

He had originally been selected as a VAR official for the 2026 World Cup.

• One month before the tournament, he was dropped after being accused in a sexual assault case involving a minor, although the case was later closed due to insufficient evidence.

Scotland Yard investigated the case. They reviewed cameras, cell phones, every detail. The conclusion came too late for his career: there was no evidence.

The case was completely closed. Before that, Dieperink had confessed to De Telegraaf that he felt "unjustly accused" and devastated about missing the tournament of his life.

On July 13, the KNVB confirmed the worst: they found his body on the street where he lived. The causes of death are still unknown.

Copied.

0 likes · 0 comments · 0 shares