Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died, just weeks after officials removed him from the World Cup roster following a police investigation in the UK.

Fifa initially selected the 38-year-old to serve as a video assistant referee (VAR) for this summer’s tournament, but they removed him from their list of officials in May.

The Metropolitan Police arrested Dieperink in April after receiving a report of a sexual assault involving a teenage boy. Authorities later dropped the case due to a lack of evidence.

The Netherlands’ football association, the KNVB, stated they are “shocked and deeply saddened” by the death of the official.

Officials have not disclosed his cause of death.

“With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague,” the KNVB said in a statement.

“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in processing this great loss.”

Dieperink worked as an Eredivisie referee starting in 2017 and served as a VAR official during Euro 2024.

Following his removal from the World Cup, Dieperink told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he had been “wrongly accused.”

“It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused,” he said.

“From the beginning, I have fully cooperated in the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to Fifa, Uefa and the KNVB.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way in which they have dealt with this case. It is a pity that Fifa has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup any more, of course I am disappointed about that.”

Dieperink served as the VAR for the Crystal Palace match against Fiorentina on 9 April during the Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg.

The Metropolitan Police released a statement regarding the investigation: “On Thursday, 9 April, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy, which occurred at an address on Wellesley Road, Croydon.

“A man in his 30s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

“Officers completed a thorough investigation and reviewed all available evidence, including gathering CCTV and examining digital devices.

“Following these enquiries, they concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met. No further action will be taken.”