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FIFA Drops Dutch Referee Dieperink, Names Delajod Replacement

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

FIFA removed Dutch referee Rob Dieperink from the World Cup officials list after UK police closed the case.
Metropolitan Police arrested Dieperink in London on 9 April over an alleged assault on a teenage boy and later said evidence was insufficient.
The Royal Dutch Football Association said Dieperink cooperated, remains eligible for league matches, and will miss the weekend’s lineup.
Sources said FIFA will replace Dieperink with French referee Willy Delajod.

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Story summary

FIFA removed Dutch referee Rob Dieperink from the World Cup officials list after UK police closed the case.
Metropolitan Police arrested Dieperink in London on 9 April over an alleged assault on a teenage boy and later said evidence was insufficient.
The Royal Dutch Football Association said Dieperink cooperated, remains eligible for league matches, and will miss the weekend’s lineup.
Sources said FIFA will replace Dieperink with French referee Willy Delajod.