FIFA has removed Dutch referee Rob Dieperink from the list of officials for the upcoming men's World Cup, football's governing body told dpa on Saturday.
The decision comes despite investigations into suspected sexual coercion being dropped.
The 38-year-old had been due to work at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico next month as a video assistant referee.
According to media reports, Dieperink had been accused of sexually coercing a minor in London and the Dutchman was arrested.
However, a police investigation was halted due to a lack of evidence, the reports said.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf quoted Dieperink as saying he was innocent.
"It makes me very sad that I was falsely accused," the referee said, adding it was regrettable that FIFA had decided not to use him for the World Cup.
