Dutch referee and VAR official Rob Dieperink has reportedly been dropped from FIFA duties after being investigated over alleged misconduct during a trip to London, despite British police later closing the case due to a lack of evidence.
According to reports from Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Dieperink was arrested at a London hotel on 9 April 2026 while working as a video assistant referee during a UEFA Conference League fixture.
The Dutch official had been accused of inappropriate contact and allegedly attempting to entice a 17-year-old boy. The allegations reportedly included suspected sexual assault and contact with a minor.
Following questioning by British authorities, Dieperink cooperated with investigators and the case was eventually dropped after police reportedly found no evidence.
Although the investigation was closed without charges, the controversy appears to have had major consequences for the referee’s international career.
Reports indicate that FIFA has now decided to remove Dieperink from its officiating structure, a development that could significantly affect his future involvement in top-level international football.
The decision underlines how football governing bodies increasingly respond to reputational concerns surrounding officials, even in situations where criminal investigations do not result in prosecution.
Dieperink had travelled to London in an official UEFA capacity and was carrying out VAR responsibilities during European competition when the allegations surfaced.
At the time, the incident attracted attention across European football because of the referee’s role within UEFA competitions and the seriousness of the accusations being investigated.
While British police later concluded there was no evidence to support the claims, the situation nonetheless appears to have damaged the official’s standing within football administration circles.
The reported FIFA decision reflects the growing scrutiny faced by referees and match officials operating at the highest levels of world football.
Over recent years, governing bodies such as FIFA and UEFA have placed greater emphasis on the image and integrity of officials representing football on the global stage.
Although the case did not directly involve African football, developments involving FIFA and UEFA officials are closely monitored across Africa due to the continent’s strong connection to international football competitions.
African football fans remain among the largest audiences for European and FIFA tournaments, where referees and VAR officials play increasingly influential roles in modern matches.
The controversy surrounding Dieperink also highlights the expanding visibility of VAR officials, whose work is now heavily scrutinised both during and away from matches.
For the Dutch official, the closure of the police investigation may have ended the legal aspect of the matter, but the reported FIFA decision suggests the professional consequences could continue.
No official details have yet emerged regarding the exact nature of FIFA’s reported decision or whether Dieperink could return to international duties in the future.
However, the case demonstrates how quickly off-field allegations can affect careers in elite football, regardless of the outcome of criminal investigations.
