World Cup 2026 officiating controversies: referee death, VAR disputes and rule changes
Dutch referee Danny Dieperink, 38, died in London just weeks after FIFA removed him from the 2026 World Cup referee list following his arrest on suspicion of a sexual assault of a minor. British police later closed the case for lack of evidence, and the Dutch FA expressed shock at his death.
Analysis of VAR usage at the 2026 tournament shows referees consulted the system 35 times, a rise from previous editions. Data compiled by World Visualized and NetSI Sport indicate Croatia suffered the highest adverse rate (6.5 adverse VAR decisions per 100 offences), while Mexico and Argentina recorded the most favorable outcomes.
UEFA announced it will not adopt FIFA’s new VAR rule on “wrong‑identity” yellow cards, insisting on the IFAB‑defined interpretation. Separately, FIFA clarified that yellow cards are erased after the quarter‑finals, meaning players cannot miss the final because of a single caution.
Media reports say Iranian‑born, Australian‑registered referee Alireza Faghani is the frontrunner to officiate the final, should Argentina qualify.