Rob Dieperink 1988-2026
Monday, July 13, 2026
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Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has passed away aged 38.
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Dieperink had been officiating professional football since 2012, and in 2017 he stepped up to the Eredivisie, the Netherlands' top division.
He joined the list of international officials in 2022, and was among the video assistant referees (VARs) selected for UEFA EURO 2024, as well as assistant VAR at the UEFA Europa League final that year.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of referee Rob Dieperink," said the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) in a statement.
"With Rob, the refereeing community loses a highly valued referee with international experience, but above all, we lose a fine colleague.
"Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in dealing with this great loss."