DUTCH FOOTBALL REFEREE DIES AT 38 WEEKS AFTER WORLD CUP REMOVAL

A Dutch football referee and VAR official has died at the age of 38, according to a statement from the Dutch Football Association. The official was scheduled to work at the World Cup before being removed from those duties several weeks prior to his death. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the death.

The referee held a leading position within Dutch football and had been selected for World Cup duties. His removal from the tournament came in the weeks before his death. The Dutch Football Association confirmed his death in an official statement but provided no further details about the cause or circumstances at the time of reporting.

The death occurs during a World Cup that has drawn significant attention for VAR decisions, including a controversial disallowance of Norway's goal in the quarterfinal against England. The identity of the deceased official and the reason for his removal from World Cup duties have not been disclosed in available reports. The investigation into his death remains ongoing.