Abodi: ‘No avoiding consequences’ for Rocchi refereeing scandal

“That is transparency, timely and equal treatment when faced with the failure to observe sporting norms, especially when these have possible criminal implications. And to do so always and with everyone!

“Like all of you, I am reading the reports that are emerging on an investigation by the Prosecutor in Milan, starting from the accusation made by a former member of the Italian Association of Referees,” continued Abodi.

“While leaving it to the judicial authorities to carry out their work and without wishing to delve into the merits of the actions of the refereeing designator Rocchi, the most serious aspect that emerges is the way in which the complaint itself was handled within the football system.

“So far, no public response, just as we do not know who received the complaint and which body was tasked with the matter to verify its validity.

“I therefore expect to receive formally from CONI, as soon as possible, information regarding the affair. In the event that responsibilities are ascertained, there can be no avoiding consequences.”

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 03: Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi attends during the 1st SS Lazio conference: bullying and cyberbullying in schools and sports at the Olimpic stadium on June 03, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

What Abodi is referring to here is the fact that these events all happened towards the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

It started when former assistant referee Domenico Rocca wrote a letter denouncing the behaviour of Rocchi, particularly with regards to influencing those in the VAR booth.

If there was an internal investigation by the FIGC, then nothing came of it, and it was shelved.

Now it’s reported Rocchi will give testimony to investigators on April 30.

AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

If no action was taken against Rocchi, then there were at least some changes, as it’s reported this season he is not on the other side of the VAR booth wall.

This is where he banged on the glass to encourage them to change a decision that was in the process of being made.

All the VAR booths now are in the Lissone centre, rather than in the individual stadiums where the games are being played.