A Dutch referee who was dropped from the World Cup following a Croydon police investigation has died.
Rob Dieperink had been selected as a virtual assistant referee (VAR) for the tournament in North America, but FIFA announced in May it had removed him from the list.
KNVB, the Dutch football association, has announced his death on Monday (July 13).
The 38-year-old had been arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April, after officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy in Croydon.
But the case was closed without charges being filed after officers concluded the evidential threshold had not been met.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: A force spokesperson said: "On Thursday, April 9, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault against a teenage boy, which occurred at an address in 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."
A statement on the KNVB website published on Monday began: "We have learned with shock and deep sadness of the passing of Rob Dieperink.
"With the passing of Rob, the football world loses a valued referee with international experience, but above all, we lose a fine colleague.
"Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear.
"We wish them much strength and support in coping with this great loss."
The KNVB said Dieperink had been refereeing professionally since 2011-12, taking charge of his first Eredivisie match in 2017.
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