Italian football is facing fresh scrutiny after Gianluca Rocchi stepped aside from his role overseeing referee appointments in Serie A and Serie B.
Rocchi is under investigation for alleged “complicity in sporting fraud” during the 2024–25 season. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, as authorities begin to assess the claims.
The Italian Referees Association confirmed that he voluntarily suspended himself. The move, it said, is meant to protect the integrity of Italy’s refereeing system while the legal process unfolds.
Andrea Gervasoni, who supervises VAR operations in the top divisions, has also stepped aside after being named in the same probe.
At the center of the investigation are allegations that referee appointments and VAR decisions may have been influenced.
One claim involves a match linked to Inter Milan. Investigators are examining whether a referee was selected based on perceived preference.
Another incident under review is Udinese’s 1–0 win over Parma in March 2024. A delayed VAR review led to a penalty, which was converted by Florian Thauvin. Officials had initially hesitated before making the call.
In a statement, Rocchi described his decision as “painful but necessary.” He said stepping aside would allow the investigation to proceed without affecting the refereeing body.
He also expressed confidence that he will be cleared.
Under Italian law, sporting fraud is a criminal offence and can carry a prison sentence of up to six years if proven.
The investigation is ongoing, with more developments expected after the upcoming hearing.
