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MILAN — The Italian football world was rocked on Sunday when news broke that Gianluca Rocchi, the former head of Serie A and Serie B referee designations, had been formally investigated by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office for alleged sports fraud. The case, which centers on accusations that Rocchi influenced referee assignments and VAR (Video Assistant Referee) decisions to favor Inter Milan during the 2024-25 season, has sent shockwaves through the sport. But the investigation’s roots stretch back much further than many realize—over a year before the public became aware of the scandal.
Rocchi, a former international referee who took over as the Italian Football Referees Association (AIA)’s designator in 2021, was notified of the investigation on April 25, 2026. The charges against him—concorso in frode sportiva (conspiracy to commit sports fraud)—stem from allegations that he pressured VAR officials and manipulated referee assignments to benefit Inter Milan, particularly during the final stages of last season’s Serie A title race. The case has raised serious questions about the integrity of Italy’s top-flight football and could have far-reaching consequences for the league, its clubs and its officials.
The Investigation’s Hidden Origins
Although the public first learned of the investigation in April 2026, the Milan prosecutor’s office had been quietly building its case for more than a year. According to reports verified by Corriere della Sera, the probe was officially opened on July 23, 2025, following a complaint filed by assistant referee Domenico Rocca. Rocca, who had previously raised concerns about Rocchi’s conduct, was summoned by prosecutor Maurizio Ascione for questioning in a Guardia di Finanza barracks in Milan. During the two-hour interview, Rocca reportedly detailed how Rocchi had allegedly interfered with VAR decisions at the Lissone VAR center, the hub for all Serie A VAR reviews.
Rocca’s allegations were not new. In May 2025, he had filed a formal complaint with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), accusing Rocchi of exerting undue pressure on VAR officials to influence match outcomes. The FIGC initially dismissed the complaint, concluding in a July 29, 2025, statement that “no disciplinary violations of significance” had been found. But, Rocca was not satisfied with the outcome and decided to escalate the matter to the ordinary justice system, setting the stage for the current investigation.
The Allegations Against Rocchi
The Milan prosecutor’s office has accused Rocchi of two primary offenses:
- Manipulating referee assignments: Specifically, Rocchi is alleged to have ensured that referee Daniele Doveri—who was perceived as unfavorable to Inter Milan—was not assigned to any of the club’s matches during the final months of the 2024-25 season. Doveri, a respected official, had previously been involved in controversial decisions that went against Inter.
- Pressuring VAR officials: Rocchi is accused of interfering with VAR reviews, particularly at the Lissone center, where he allegedly exerted influence to overturn or uphold decisions in Inter’s favor. The term “bussate” (literally “knocks” or “taps”) has been used in Italian media to describe these alleged interventions, suggesting Rocchi may have directly or indirectly communicated with VAR officials to sway their judgments.
Rocchi’s legal team has vehemently denied the accusations. His lawyer, Antonio D’Avirro, told reporters on April 26, 2026, that the charges were “unclear” and lacked specificity. “The prosecution alleges a conspiracy involving multiple people, but it does not identify who these other individuals are,” D’Avirro said. “I have never seen a case where the other party in an alleged sports fraud agreement is not named. Rocchi visited every stadium in Serie A—it’s absurd to suggest he was favoring one club over others.”
D’Avirro also revealed that Rocchi and his legal team were still deciding whether to cooperate with the investigation. Rocchi was scheduled to appear for questioning before prosecutor Ascione on April 30, 2026, but he had the right to remain silent under Italian law. “We are evaluating our options,” D’Avirro said. “Given the lack of clarity in the charges, it is tough to determine the best course of action.”
Rocchi’s Immediate Response
Shortly after learning of the investigation, Rocchi released a brief statement through his lawyer. “I am surprised but serene,” he said. “I will continue to perform as always.” However, within hours, Rocchi made the decision to temporarily step aside from his role as the head of the AIA’s Can A and Can B referee designations, effective immediately. The AIA confirmed the move in a statement, noting that Rocchi’s suspension was a “precautionary measure” to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The decision to suspend Rocchi has left Italian football in a state of uncertainty. The AIA has not yet named a permanent replacement, and the league’s ability to assign referees for upcoming matches has been called into question. Serie A’s governing body, the Lega Serie A, issued a statement on April 26, 2026, insisting that the “regularity of the championship” would be maintained. However, the scandal has already cast a shadow over the league’s credibility, particularly as Inter Milan remains in the hunt for the 2025-26 Serie A title.
The Inter Milan Connection
The investigation has inevitably drawn Inter Milan into the spotlight. While the club has not been formally accused of wrongdoing, the allegations against Rocchi suggest that Inter may have benefited from his alleged actions. The Milan prosecutor’s office has not yet revealed whether Inter officials or other individuals are under investigation, but the club’s name has been central to the case from the beginning.
Inter Milan has not publicly commented on the investigation, but sources close to the club have emphasized that it is cooperating fully with authorities. The club’s legal team is reportedly monitoring the situation closely, particularly given the potential implications for the 2024-25 Serie A title. If the investigation uncovers evidence of widespread referee manipulation, Inter could face sanctions, including the revocation of its 2024-25 Scudetto.
For now, however, the focus remains on Rocchi and the allegations against him. The former referee’s reputation has been called into question, and his future in football hangs in the balance. Rocchi, who retired from active refereeing in 2019, had been widely respected in the football community, and his appointment as the AIA’s designator in 2021 was seen as a natural progression for his career. The current scandal has shattered that image, leaving many to wonder how deep the corruption in Italian football truly runs.
What Happens Next?
The investigation is still in its early stages, and much remains unclear. Rocchi’s next appearance before prosecutor Ascione on April 30, 2026, will be a critical moment in the case. Depending on his decision to cooperate or remain silent, the investigation could take months—or even years—to reach a conclusion. If the prosecutor’s office finds sufficient evidence, Rocchi could face criminal charges, which carry potential penalties including fines and imprisonment under Italian law.
In the meantime, the FIGC and Serie A will be under pressure to address the scandal’s fallout. The league has already faced criticism for its handling of referee assignments and VAR decisions, and the current investigation could force it to implement sweeping reforms. Potential measures could include greater transparency in referee selection, stricter oversight of VAR officials, and the introduction of independent bodies to monitor the integrity of match officiating.
For fans, players, and clubs, the scandal has been a stark reminder of the fragility of trust in football. The allegations against Rocchi have reignited long-standing concerns about corruption in Italian football, particularly in light of past scandals such as Calciopoli in 2006, which saw several top clubs, including Juventus, punished for influencing referee assignments. While the current investigation is still unfolding, its implications could be just as significant.
Key Questions Still Unanswered
As the investigation continues, several critical questions remain:
- Who else is involved? Rocchi’s lawyer has pointed out that the prosecution’s case alleges a conspiracy involving multiple individuals, but none have been named. Are Inter Milan officials or other referees under investigation?
- What evidence exists? The prosecutor’s office has not yet revealed the full scope of its evidence, including whether it has obtained intercepted communications or other documentation that could prove Rocchi’s alleged interference.
- Will Inter Milan face sanctions? If the investigation uncovers evidence that Inter benefited from Rocchi’s actions, the club could face disciplinary action, including the loss of its 2024-25 title. However, such a outcome remains speculative at this stage.
- How will the FIGC respond? The Italian Football Federation has already faced criticism for its initial dismissal of Rocca’s complaint. Will it take a more proactive role in addressing the scandal, or will it wait for the prosecutor’s office to conclude its investigation?
The Broader Impact on Italian Football
The Rocchi investigation has underscored the need for greater transparency and accountability in Italian football. The scandal has reignited debates about the league’s governance, particularly in relation to referee assignments and VAR decisions. Critics have long argued that the current system is too opaque, allowing for potential conflicts of interest and undue influence.
In response to the scandal, some have called for the creation of an independent referee selection body, similar to those used in other European leagues such as the English Premier League and German Bundesliga. Such a body would be tasked with assigning referees based on objective criteria, rather than leaving the decision to a single individual, as was the case under Rocchi’s leadership.
The scandal has also highlighted the need for stricter oversight of VAR officials. The Lissone VAR center, where Rocchi allegedly exerted influence, has been a focal point of the investigation. Critics have argued that the current system lacks sufficient safeguards to prevent external interference, and that VAR officials should be subject to greater scrutiny.
Conclusion: A Scandal That Could Reshape Italian Football
The investigation into Gianluca Rocchi is still in its early stages, but its potential impact on Italian football cannot be overstated. If the allegations against Rocchi are proven, they could lead to sweeping reforms in how referees are assigned and how VAR decisions are made. More broadly, the scandal could force the FIGC and Serie A to confront long-standing issues of corruption and transparency in the sport.
For now, the football world will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds. Rocchi’s next appearance before prosecutor Ascione on April 30, 2026, will be a critical moment, and his decision to cooperate or remain silent could shape the trajectory of the case. In the meantime, fans, players, and clubs will be left to grapple with the uncertainty and distrust that the scandal has unleashed.
As the situation develops, World Today Journal will continue to provide updates on this story. For the latest news, follow our Sports section. Have thoughts on the investigation? Share your comments below and join the conversation.