Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has been removed from FIFA’s roster for the upcoming World Cup this summer following his arrest in the UK last month, although reports indicate that the case has now been closed.
Dieperink was serving as a VAR official during Crystal Palace’s Conference League match against Fiorentina on April 9 and was taken into custody in his hotel room after the game on allegations of sexual assault involving a teenage boy.
After an investigation, Dieperink was not charged with any crime, and the police have dropped the case due to insufficient evidence.
Dieperink, who asserts that he ‘fully cooperated’ with the police inquiry, was included in FIFA’s list of VAR officials for the forthcoming World Cup, but the 38-year-old has now confirmed that he will not participate in the tournament, which commences on June 11.
In an interview with the Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Dieperink expressed: ‘It deeply saddens me that I have been falsely accused.
“From the outset, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and have also provided complete transparency to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB.
“The allegations have been disproven, and the case was dismissed within two weeks following a thorough and adequate investigation by the police.
“I am thankful for the support I received from the KNVB and the manner in which they managed this situation. It is regrettable that FIFA has chosen not to appoint me for the World Cup any longer. Naturally, I am disappointed about this.”
A representative for the Dutch Football Association, KNVB, stated, “We advocate for a safe and ethical football culture at all levels and take reports of inappropriate conduct seriously.
“Of course, we believe that a Dutch referee must possess impeccable character, but we also find it essential that he has the opportunity to share his narrative and is not wrongfully accused.
“In this particular instance, the police in the United Kingdom conducted an investigation and subsequently dropped the case.
“Rob Dieperink has provided full cooperation and been completely open with the KNVB from the very beginning, and based on all available information, we see no reason not to appoint him for matches in the Dutch league.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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