US EditionItaly Referee Chief Suspends Himself over Sports Fraud Investigation
Investigators are examining whether Gianluca Rocchi influenced VAR reviews and referee assignments, with one match under scrutiny ending in a 1-0 Udinese win.
- Gianluca Rocchi, the Serie A and Serie B referee designator, is under investigation for "participation in sports fraud" on suspicion of having influenced Video Assistant Referee decisions.
- Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione is leading the inquiry into 2024-25 season incidents, including allegations that Rocchi pressured officials to recommend reviews and assigned "preferred" referees to clubs like Inter.
- During the March 1, 2025, match between Udinese and Parma, investigators suspect Rocchi knocked on the Lissone VAR glass door, allegedly urging officials to award a penalty securing a 1–0 victory.
- Responding to the investigation on Saturday, Rocchi stated, "This morning I received a notice of investigation. I am sure I have always acted correctly and I have full confidence in the judiciary."
- Italian Sport Minister Andrea Abodi confirmed the investigation originated from a complaint by former referee assistant Domenico Rocca, echoing historical scandals like the 2006 Calciopoli crisis involving Juventus.
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89 Articles
The referee coordinator of the top Italian football leagues, Gianluca Rocchi, is being investigated for suspected involvement in sport fraud. According to media reports, the 52-year-old is said to have exerted pressure on referees and influenced VAR decisions.
Italy referee chief Gianluca Rocchi suspends himself over fraud investigation
The man in charge of assigning Serie A and B referees, Gianluca Rocchi, has suspended himself from the role with immediate effect while under investigation for sports fraud by Milan’s Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Italy referee chief suspends himself over sports fraud investigation
The man in charge of assigning Serie A and B referees, Gianluca Rocchi, has suspended himself from the role with immediate effect while under investigation for sports fraud by Milan's Public Prosecutor's Office.
Associated Press News
Italian soccer rocked by another refereeing scandal as head of referees Rocchi faces fraud probe
Italian soccer is in crisis on and off the field, with another refereeing scandal emerging on the heels of the men’s team’s repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup.
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