Gianluca Rocchi and Marco Gervasoni, key figures in Serie A officiating, are under investigation for alleged sports fraud. The probe involves claims of improper influence and referee selection related to Inter Milan matches.
Key points
Gianluca Rocchi and Marco Gervasoni are under investigation.
Allegations include influencing VAR reviews and referee selection.
The investigation was prompted by a report from former linesman Domenico Rocca.
Head Referee Involved in Alleged Sports Fraud Probe
Head Referee Involved in Alleged Sports Fraud Probe
Another burgeoning scandal has started rocking Serie A, as chief referee designator Gianluca Rocchi and VAR supervisor Marco Gervasoni are under investigation for conspiracy to commit sports fraud for separate incidents. Both temporarily left their positions, Corriere della Sera relays.
The former is under scrutiny for allegedly influencing some reviews by making gestures or tapping the glass window of the room, which is against protocol. The inquiry stems from a report filed by former linesman Domenico Rocca a year ago.
Rocchi is also being accused of strategically hand-picking referees he was aware Inter liked or disliked in select matches, discussing them with unspecified subjects at San Siro. No Nerazzurri exec is part of the probe. President Giuseppe Marotta repelled any allegation.
The VAR-related incidents in Udinese-Parma and Salernitana-Modena in March of 2025 were already examined by the federal prosecutor. He elected not to open an inquiry due to a lack of evidence at the time. The protocol changed this season. The designator is no longer at the broadcast center in Lissone during matches. Some inspectors monitor that there are no interferences.
Rocchi could be questioned by the Milan DA’s office later this week, but he might elect not to answer or no show. His lawyer pointed out that it’s unusual for co-conspirators not to be named in the notice of investigation. It’ll likely expand to some other referees.
Serie A officials quickly rushed to declare that there are no doubts about the league’s regularity. The head referee was already on his way out. The turn of events could be used by the Italian Olympic Committee to impose a commissioner rather than proceed with the elections following Gabriele Gravina’s resignation.
Q&A
What are the allegations against Gianluca Rocchi in the sports fraud probe?
Gianluca Rocchi is accused of influencing VAR reviews and strategically selecting referees favored by Inter Milan.
Who else is involved in the investigation alongside Gianluca Rocchi?
VAR supervisor Marco Gervasoni is also under investigation for conspiracy to commit sports fraud.
What prompted the investigation into Rocchi and Gervasoni?
The inquiry was initiated based on a report filed by former linesman Domenico Rocca about a year ago.
Related Articles
Sports
FREE STREAM! Carra and Brundle preview Sky Sports' Big Weekend
Jamie Carragher and Martin Brundle preview Sky Sports' Big Weekend, highlighting key events including Premier League matches, the Miami GP, Women's Super League, Madrid Open tennis, and PGA Tour golf.
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports
Kane needs 'Ballon d'Or moment' with Bayern or England to define his legacy
Harry Kane's 33 goals this season highlight his impact at Bayern Munich.
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports
Chris Simms out of NBC's 'SNF' NFL coverage after Mike Tomlin hire
Yahoo Sports·
Sports
Deshaun Watson Browns report is bad news for Shedeur Sanders
Yahoo Sports·
Sports
Blachowicz and Horn shutout Illinois to give Nebraska series win
Yahoo Sports·
Sports
Ha-Seong Kim set to begin rehab assignment with Double-A Columbus Clingstones