'Shock' Teenage Sexual Assault Case Resulted in No Charges, But Body Found Dead... "Humiliation Before Colleagues with Handcuffs" Veteran Referee Meets Tragic End

*This content was translated by AI.

Rob Dieperink (38), an international soccer referee from the Netherlands who was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenager and subsequently removed from the World Cup referee list, has died.

Britain's 'The Sun' reported on the 14th (Korea time) that "Referee Dieperink passed away just weeks after being ruled out of the World Cup." The Royal Dutch Football Association also officially confirmed his death, expressing deep shock and sorrow. The specific cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Previously, in April, Dieperink visited London, UK, to officiate a UEFA Conference League (UECL) match but was arrested by the London National Police Agency on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenager in the Croydon area. He was reportedly taken into custody by police in front of fellow referees while returning home.

The police conducted a thorough investigation including CCTV analysis and digital forensics, but determined that evidence was insufficient to prove the crime, ultimately issuing a no-prosecution decision and closing the case.

Although the case ended with no charges, the fallout was significant. The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) immediately removed him from the World Cup referee list. In an interview with local media De Telegraaf, Dieperink expressed his grievance, stating, "I cooperated actively with the investigation and immediately informed relevant institutional investors of the facts," adding, "It is very disappointing to lose my chance to participate in the World Cup due to false accusations."

The Royal Dutch Football Association issued a statement saying, "We express our deepest condolences on the news of Referee Rob Dieperink's passing," and added, "The refereeing community has lost a capable talent with rich international experience and a dedicated colleague."

Debuting as a professional referee in 2012, Dieperink had been active in the Dutch top-flight Eredivisie since 2017 and was recognized as a veteran referee, participating as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at Euro 2024. He passed away on Saturday, just two days before his death, after officiating his final friendly match.

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*This content was translated by AI.