Prosecutors accuse Gianluca Rocchi of sporting fraud linked to referee assignments, while he denies wrongdoing and vows to defend himself
Italian football is facing a new storm — this time involving its refereeing system.
Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referee designations for Serie A and Serie B, is under investigation for “complicity in sporting fraud”, according to prosecutors in Milan.
Rocchi has denied all allegations, stating he is “calm” and confident he acted correctly.
The Charges Explained
Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione has outlined three main accusations, all tied to alleged manipulation of referee decisions and assignments:
1. Favorable Referee Assignment
Rocchi is accused of influencing the appointment of referee Andrea Colombo for a Bologna–Inter match, allegedly because he was considered “favorable” to Inter Milan during a crucial stage of the title race.
2. Strategic Use of Doveri
Another charge claims Rocchi assigned referee Daniele Doveri to a Coppa Italia semifinal (Inter vs Milan) to prevent him from officiating future high-stakes matches involving Inter — including a potential final.
3. VAR Interference in Udinese–Parma
The most serious allegation involves a March 2025 match between Udinese Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913.
Rocchi is accused of influencing VAR official Daniele Paterna to recommend an on-field review that led to a decisive penalty — despite initial hesitation.
Rocchi’s Response
Rocchi has firmly rejected the accusations.
“I am certain I have always acted correctly and I have full confidence in the judiciary,” he said after receiving formal notice of the investigation.
His legal team has also emphasized that he disputes all charges and will respond in detail after reviewing the case files.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 30.
From Sporting Case to Criminal Probe
The investigation stems from a complaint filed in 2025 by former assistant referee Domenico Rocca.
While the matter had previously been dismissed by sporting authorities, it has now resurfaced in the criminal justice system — raising the stakes significantly.
At the center of the case is a controversial video from the VAR room in Lissone, where Paterna appears to consult someone off-screen before calling for a review.
Government Reaction
Italy’s Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi, has called for full transparency.
“There is only one way to protect the integrity of sport: transparency, timeliness, and equal treatment,” he said.
Abodi also raised concerns about how the original complaint was handled internally, suggesting that the process itself may require scrutiny.
“If responsibilities are confirmed, there must be consequences.”
A System Under Pressure
The case comes at a sensitive time for Italian football, already dealing with governance questions and institutional reforms.
Even though the sporting inquiry was initially closed, the criminal investigation reopens serious concerns about:
- Referee independence
- VAR protocol integrity
- Internal oversight within Italian football
For now, Rocchi maintains his innocence.
But with legal proceedings underway, the implications could be far-reaching — both for individuals involved and for the credibility of the system as a whole.
