Gianluca Rocchi (foto: Getty Images)
Italian football faces a new scandal as referees’ chief Gianluca Rocchi is investigated for alleged sports fraud, including influencing referee appointments and VAR decisions during the 2024/25 season.
Italian football is facing a major new scandal, with Gianluca Rocchi, head of the referees’ organization, now under formal investigation.
The Milan prosecutor’s office has opened proceedings against Rocchi on suspicion of sports fraud, raising serious concerns about the integrity of competitions in Serie A and Serie B.
Investigators believe Rocchi, who oversees referee appointments, may have influenced both the selection of referees and even VAR decisions.
These allegations have triggered comparisons with the Calciopoli scandal from 2006, one of the darkest chapters in Italian football history.
One of the central cases involves a Bologna vs Inter match played last April.
According to the investigation, Rocchi allegedly ensured that Andrea Colombo officiated the game, with documents suggesting he was considered “desirable” for the Milan club.
Another part of the probe focuses on the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
Authorities suspect Rocchi influenced referee assignments to avoid certain officials taking charge of key matches, including those involving Inter later in the season.
The most controversial element concerns possible interference with VAR.
During a match between Udinese and Parma, the VAR official reportedly changed a decision on a penalty after consulting an unidentified person.
According to reconstructed communication, the VAR referee asked, “Is it a penalty?” before advising the on-field referee to review the footage, which led to a penalty being awarded.
While the investigation does not yet establish guilt, the charge of sports fraud carries heavy weight.
The same legal framework led to major sanctions during Calciopoli, when Juventus lost titles and was relegated.
The current investigation covers the broader 2024/25 season, examining links between referees, the football federation, and clubs.
Rocchi is expected to respond to the allegations by the end of April. His representatives state he remains calm and continues his duties.
The situation continues to develop, with potential consequences that could reshape Italian football once again.