Fifa drop match official from World Cup line-up following arrest on child sexual assault charge

Fifa have dropped referee Rob Dieperink from World Cup duty after he was arrested following allegations of sexual assault against an underage boy in London, England.

The Dutchman had been selected as a VAR official for the upcoming tournament.

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But he will no longer be allowed to officiate after being axed by Fifa, despite the Metropolitan Police not charging him.

“Fifa can confirm that Rob Dieperink has been removed from the list of Fifa World Cup match officials,” Fifa told The Athletic.

Dieperick was arrested in April on suspicion of sexual assault.

However the Met Police were unable to find sufficient evidence to prosecute the 38-year-old, who retains the support of the KNVB — the Royal Dutch Football Association.

A Met spokesperson said: “On Thursday, 9 April, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy, which occurred at an address on Wellesley Road, Croydon. A man in his 30s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

“Officers completed a thorough investigation and reviewed all available evidence, including gathering CCTV and examining digital devices.

“Following these enquiries, they concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met. No further action will be taken.”

Dieperink has since expressed his “sadness” at Fifa’s decision and continues to protest his innocence.

“It makes me very sad that I have been wrongly accused,” Dieperink told De Telegraaf.

“I fully co-operated with the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to Fifa, Uefa and the KNVB.

“The allegations were refuted and the case was dismissed within two weeks after an adequate and thorough investigation by the police.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way they have dealt with this case. It is a pity that Fifa has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup, I am of course disappointed about that.”

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