Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, weeks after being removed from the World Cup officiating list following an arrest in the United Kingdom.

 The Dutch Football Association confirmed his passing, while authorities have launched an investigation and the cause of death remains unclear. 

Dieperink had been due to officiate at the tournament before he was dropped after allegations of sexual assault involving a teenage boy were reported. The case was later dismissed due to a lack of evidence. Dieperink’s death comes as football officials continue to face scrutiny over decisions and controversies surrounding major international matches.