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The Netherlands Football Federation (KNVB) confirmed the death of referee Rob Dieperink, 38, whose body was found on a public road near his home. The whistler had been considered by FIFA to whistle at the 2026 World Cup, but was excluded after an investigation in the United Kingdom.

The investigation that cut short his career

Dieperink appeared on the initial list of referees for the World Cup. However, his name was withdrawn after proceedings were opened against him for a complaint of alleged inappropriate behavior towards a minor before a Conference League match between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina.

British authorities concluded there was insufficient evidence and dismissed the case. Despite this, FIFA maintained its exclusion from the tournament. Dieperink himself declared to the newspaper De Telegraaf:

“I am very saddened to have been wrongly accused. I cooperated fully with the police investigation and was completely transparent.”

After his departure, FIFA appointed Frenchman Willy Delajod as his replacement. Delajod was part of the refereeing team for the match between Argentina and Egypt in the round of 16.

Reactions and pain in the Netherlands

The KNVB issued a statement expressing its shock:

“We are deeply saddened by the death of referee Rob Dieperink. Arbitration loses a highly valued judge, with international experience, but above all an excellent and committed colleague.”

Dutch authorities are investigating the circumstances of the death. So far there is no official information on the cause of death.

Club América made its home kit official for the 2026-27 season. The clothing is part of the celebrations towards the 110th anniversary of the institution.

Through their social networks, the azulcrema team launched the design with a message about their legacy. “The greatness continues, Adidas and Club América present the home jersey for 2026-2027 towards the 110th anniversary,” the statement said.

Design details

The uniform uses a creamy yellow tone as a base. A large pattern inspired by the club’s shield stands out on the chest. The Eagles emblem and the Adidas logo appear in the center.

The sleeves incorporate navy blue and red, a combination that evokes the most representative uniforms of the 80s and 90s. The three classic stripes in black and red are located on the shoulders. On the back of the neck the phrase “Big Heart” appears in tribute to the fans.

“On the way to our 110th anniversary, this shirt symbolizes what our institution represents: history, leadership and permanent search for excellence,” said Santiago Baños, sports president of the club.

Prices and availability

The version for fans costs 1,999 pesos. The player edition sells for 2,999 pesos. The long-sleeved ones cost 2,199 pesos (fan) and 3,199 pesos (professional). The shirt is now available at authorized retailers.

Debut at Apertura 2026

América will debut the kit on July 18 against Querétaro at the Corregidora Stadium, on the first day of the tournament. The design seeks to strengthen the link with the fans through a significant historical load.

The Mexican journalist Paola Rojas shared an uncomfortable episode that she experienced with Diego Armando Maradona during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. In a conversation with the communicator José Ramón Fernández, she detailed how the late star conditioned an interview in exchange for a private meeting.

The moment in the elevator

Rojas said that he met Maradona and his security team in an elevator. He took the opportunity to reiterate his professional interest in interviewing him for Mexican media. According to his testimony, Maradona responded that he would agree to talk to her, but only if she came to his room. The proposal caused the journalist to immediately desist.

The communicator emphasized that, although she recognizes the historical significance of Maradona in football, she decided to make this event public to make visible the obstacles and situations of vulnerability that women face in sports journalism.

The story generated a wave of reactions on social networks, adding to the list of off-field controversies that marked the life of the former soccer player. Rojas seeks with her experience to open the debate about working conditions and the respect that professionals deserve in the sports field.