Overview
- FIFA confirmed Saturday it removed Rob Dieperink from the World Cup officiating roster and gave no public reason.
- Reports said London police arrested him over an allegation of sexual coercion of a minor, then closed the inquiry after reviewing video and finding insufficient evidence.
- Dieperink said he was wrongly accused, said he fully cooperated with police, and said he informed FIFA, UEFA, and the Dutch FA.
- The KNVB said it sees no basis to bar him in the domestic league but will not assign him this weekend, including a planned role as video assistant referee, the replay official, for NEC vs. Go Ahead Eagles.
- He had been selected to work the tournament as a video assistant referee, underscoring how governing bodies can remove officials to protect trust before major events even when cases end without charges.