Dutch World Cup Referee Candidate Passes Away
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has announced the death of Rob Dieperink. Dieperink had initially been named as a video assistant referee for the forthcoming World Cup in North America, but FIFA subsequently removed him from the officiating roster in May.
Rob Dieperink, a Dutch official who was slated to serve as a video assistant referee at this summer's World Cup, has died. The announcement came from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
Dieperink had been among the selected officials for the major international tournament scheduled to take place in North America. However, FIFA made the decision in May to remove him from the final list of referees and support staff for the event.
The circumstances surrounding Dieperink's removal from the World Cup list, followed by his reported passing, warrant further clarity and sensitivity. His contributions to the sport should be remembered respectfully.


