World Cup 2026: FIFA sidelines a referee after his arrest for sexual assault on a teenager.

Rob Dieperink will ultimately not participate in the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch VAR official was removed from FIFA’s list of officials selected for the World Cup after his arrest in the United Kingdom last month as part of an investigation into alleged sexual assault. The events date back to April 9, during a Europa Conference League match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina, in which Dieperink officiated as the VAR.

According to several British media outlets, the Dutch official had been placed in custody at his hotel after accusations involving a minor. After investigation, no charges were brought against him and the case was closed for lack of sufficient evidence. In an interview given to the Dutch daily De Telegraaf, Rob Dieperink said he had fully cooperated with the authorities since the start of the case. I am deeply touched to have been wrongly accused , said the 38-year-old referee.

He also said he had shown total transparency to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB. Despite the investigation being closed without charges, FIFA chose not to retain him for the 2026 World Cup, a decision Dieperink says he regrets. The Dutch federation, for its part, reiterated its commitment to integrity and ethics in football, while noting that no element today justifies a suspension of the referee at the national level. KNVB confirmed that Rob Dieperink would continue to officiate in the Dutch league matches.