Italian Prosecutors Investigate Serie A Referee Appointee Over Alleged VAR Pressure
Italian prosecutors are investigating Gianluca Rocchi, the official responsible for appointing referees in Serie A and Serie B, over alleged sports fraud involving improper influence on VAR decisions during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The Milan Prosecutor’s Office opened a preliminary inquiry into Rocchi following a complaint filed by Domenico Rocca, a former assistant referee who retired last year. The complaint alleges Rocchi exerted pressure on VAR officials to alter match decisions, with specific focus on incidents occurring between 2024 and 2025.
Among the episodes under review is the Udinese-Parma match on March 1, 2025, during which VAR officials reportedly reversed their initial assessment of a potential handball inside the penalty area. According to multiple Italian media reports citing the investigation, the VAR official initially determined no penalty should be awarded but, within seconds, changed their recommendation to advise the on-field referee to review the incident personally via the pitchside monitor.
The investigation as well examines Rocchi’s conduct in at least two other instances, as reported by Italian outlets including Corriere della Sera. One involves the Bologna-Inter Coppa Italia match in April 2025, where Rocchi is alleged to have appointed a referee favorable to the visiting team. Another concerns efforts during the same competition to influence referee selection for the final, allegedly to avoid appointing an official disfavored by Inter Milan.
prosecutors are looking into the role of Andrea Gervasoni, the VAR supervisor, in connection with the alleged misconduct, according to the Italian news agency AGI.
Prior to the criminal probe, sports justice authorities had dismissed a similar disciplinary complaint against Rocchi related to the Inter-Verona match in February 2024, as reported by ANSA.
In response to the investigation, Rocchi issued a statement through ANSA announcing his immediate suspension as president of the National Referees’ Commission (CAN), acting in coordination with the Italian Referees’ Association (AIA). He stated the step was taken to allow the commission to operate with full tranquility and expressed confidence he would emerge “unscathed and stronger than before.”
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi addressed the situation on social media, emphasizing the necessitate for transparency, promptness, and equal treatment in handling sports rule violations, particularly those with potential criminal implications. Abodi criticized the lack of public response within the football system to the initial complaint and said he awaits official information from the Italian National Olympic Committee.
The investigation remains in its early stages, with no formal charges filed as of the latest reports. A preliminary hearing for Rocchi is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Local time.
This development adds to a turbulent period for Italian football, which has faced recent setbacks including the national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive tournament and ongoing investigations into a VIP prostitution ring linked to Serie A players.
As the case unfolds, it raises significant questions about the integrity of match officiating in Italy’s top leagues and the mechanisms in place to prevent undue influence on referees and VAR officials.
Archysport will continue to monitor the investigation and provide updates as official information becomes available.
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