Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has been dropped by FIFA for the World Cup this summer following his arrest in the UK last month, although the case has now reportedly been closed.
Dieperink was on VAR duty for Crystal Palace’s Conference League game against Fiorentina on April 9 and was arrested in his hotel room after the match on suspicion of sexual assault on a teenage boy.
Following an investigation, Dieperink was not charged with any offence and the case has been dropped by police due to a lack of evidence.
Dieperink, who insists he ‘fully cooperated’ with the police investigation, was on FIFA’s list of VAR officials for the upcoming World Cup but the 38-year-old has now confirmed he will not be at the tournament, which begins on June 11.
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In an interview with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Dieperink said: ‘It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused.
‘From the start, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately provided full transparency to FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB.
‘The allegations have been refuted and the case was dismissed within two weeks following an adequate and thorough investigation by the police.
‘I am grateful for the support I received from the KNVB and the way they handled this matter. It is unfortunate that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup anymore. I am naturally disappointed about that.’
A spokesperson for the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said: ‘We stand for a safe and ethical football culture at all levels and always take reports of inappropriate behaviour seriously.
‘Naturally, we believe that a Dutch referee must be of impeccable character, but we also consider it important that he gets the chance to tell his story and is not wrongly accused.
‘In this specific case, the police in the United Kingdom investigated the matter and dropped it.
‘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.’
However, the KNVB has decided not to use Dieperink for the Eredivisie match between NEC and Go Ahead Eagles this Sunday. He was scheduled to serve as VAR for that game in which NEC can qualify for the Champions League preliminary rounds, but he has been replaced by Clay Ruperti.
‘Given the reporting and the impact of the news on Rob, we are removing him from the weekend schedule, in his interest and in the interest of the match,’ the KNVB said.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement after Dieperink’s arrest: ‘Police attended and arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of sexual assault. He has since been bailed pending further investigation. Inquiries are ongoing and the teenager continues to receive support from specialist officers.’
The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for further comment.
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