The head of referees for Italy’s top two football divisions, Serie A and Serie B, Gianluca Rocchi, has stepped down from his duties amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of sporting fraud. The development comes during a period of broader scrutiny of Italian football, although the resignation is formally linked to legal proceedings rather than on-field sporting outcomes.
Rocchi confirmed on Saturday that he would temporarily withdraw from his role in appointing referees for matches in Italy’s top two leagues. He stated that the decision was intended to ensure that judicial proceedings could continue without interference. Rocchi also expressed confidence in the outcome of the investigation, saying: “This difficult and painful decision is intended to allow the judicial process to proceed smoothly. I am confident that at the end of this process I will be proven innocent.”
Alongside Rocchi, Andrea Gervasoni, head of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operations, is also under investigation in connection with the same allegations.
According to prosecutors in Milan, Rocchi is accused of collaborating with unnamed individuals to influence referee appointments for a Serie A match between Inter Milan and Bologna in April last year. It is alleged that he helped ensure the appointment of referee Andrea Colombo, who was reportedly regarded as a preferred official for Inter Milan. Bologna won the match 1–0 with a late goal from Riccardo Orsolini.
A separate allegation concerns a Serie A match in March last year between Udinese and Parma. Prosecutors claim Rocchi exerted pressure on match officials following a handball incident. The on-field referee, Fabio Maresca, and VAR official Daniele Paterna initially did not consider the incident worthy of a penalty. However, footage reviewed in the VAR room later shows a change in interpretation, with Paterna reportedly stating, “It is a penalty,” after appearing to be influenced by external communication.
Investigators further allege that Rocchi attempted to influence the VAR decision-making process by pressuring officials in the VAR room, including physically confronting the area where discussions were taking place. The subsequent decision contributed to a penalty situation, from which Florian Thauvin scored the only goal of the match.
Under Italian law, sporting fraud is classified as a criminal offence and carries a maximum penalty of up to six years’ imprisonment. The case files are also expected to be forwarded to the Italian Football Federation, which may initiate its own disciplinary proceedings through its internal prosecutorial system.
Summary of Allegations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary figure | Gianluca Rocchi |
| Additional figure under investigation | Andrea Gervasoni |
| Competition involved | Serie A |
| Match 1 | Inter Milan vs Bologna (April last year) |
| Allegation (Match 1) | Influence over referee appointment |
| Match 2 | Udinese vs Parma (March last year) |
| Allegation (Match 2) | Pressure on VAR and match officials |
| Legal classification | Sporting fraud (criminal offence in Italy) |
| Maximum penalty | Up to 6 years’ imprisonment |
| Additional process | Referral to Italian Football Federation for review |