There's a new referee scandal coming to light in Italy. According to multiple media reports, Serie A and Serie B referee designator Gianluca Rocchi and four more members of the Italian Association of Referees (AIA) are under investigation for "participation in sports fraud" on suspicion of having influenced Video Assistant Referee's decisions.
The investigation is still underway, with key details and potential club involvement yet to be clarified.
Rocchi Steps Down Following Investigation Notice
Rocchi, who is in charge of assigning referees to the games for both Serie A and Serie B, confirmed the news on Saturday: "This morning I received a notice of investigation. I am sure I have always acted correctly and I have full confidence in the judiciary," Rocchi said in a statement to ANSA, the Italian major news agency.
Rocchi then announced that he was stepping down with immediate effect. On Monday, Dino Tommasi replaced Rocchi until the end of the current season.
"Regarding today's events, in agreement with the AIA and for the sake of the CAN (National Commission of Referees) group, which must be able to operate with maximum serenity, I have decided to self-suspend, effective immediately, from the role of head of the CAN. This choice, painful and difficult, but shared with my family, is intended to allow for the proper course of the judicial proceedings, from which I am certain I will emerge unscathed and stronger than before."
Background: Complaint Led to Investigation
In May 2025, a complaint letter was sent to the Italian Referees Association (AIA) by former referee assistant Domenico Rocca, who underlined some of the issues of the Italian referee system.
The investigation led by Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione addresses incidents that took place primarily during the 2024-25 season, when Napoli won the Scudetto on the last matchday.
What Is the Accusation About?
There are still plenty of details to be clarified and made public, but according to reports, Rocchi over-stepped his authority with VAR officials to recommend on-field reviews by banging on the window of the VAR booth in the Lissone VAR center.
As with many sports, video review takes place away from the field where games are played, with the decisions being routed to a centralized location.
Also, Rocchi is accused of assigning referees who were 'preferred' by some clubs, such as Inter, instead of others. None of the clubs or FA have commented on the matter.
The President of the Italian FA Gabriele Gravina stepped down from his role following the national team's elimination at the World Cup playoffs.
At this stage, no Inter directors, club members, any other clubs or players are under investigation.
Udinese vs Parma Incident Under Scrutiny
One of the incidents under scrutiny took place during the Serie A match between Udinese and Parma on March 1, 2025. During the game, the three VAR officials in Lissone were reviewing a possible handball in Parma's penalty area.
Initially, VAR official Daniele Paterna seemed inclined to dismiss the appeal, remarking, "Look at the position of the arm, it seems on the body." At one point, however, he looked behind him and appeared to address someone off-camera.
Investigators suspect that Gianluca Rocchi may have left his position and repeatedly knocked on the VAR room's glass door to draw the officials' attention, allegedly urging them to recommend an on-field review.
Udinese were ultimately awarded a penalty, which they converted to secure a 1–0 victory.
Earlier VAR Controversy Reopened
The inquiry is also examining earlier VAR-related episodes, including a controversial incident involving Alessandro Bastoni during the 2023-24 season.
In that case, VAR official Luigi Nasca was later demoted after failing to flag a potential foul in the build-up to a goal.
Although the sporting justice system had already reviewed and archived the matter, it has now been reopened by the civil courts.