Italian football in crisis: Gianluca Rocchi investigated for alleged VAR manipulation and referee bias

Italian football in crisis: Gianluca Rocchi investigated for alleged VAR manipulation and referee bias

Italian football has been rocked by fresh controversy after Gianluca Rocchi was placed under investigation for alleged sporting fraud, according to The Athletic.

With Rocchi responsible for appointing referees in Serie A and Serie B, the news has unsurprisingly sent shockwaves throughout the Italian football landscape.

Prosecutors in Milan have asked Rocchi to appear for questioning next Thursday.

The case is built on claims that he may have breached VAR procedures and influenced referee selections in a way that favoured Serie A champions-elect Inter Milan.

Having opened up a 10-point lead over title holders Napoli at the Serie A summit, Inter are five points from the remaining five games away from being crowned champions.

While the investigation is still in its early stages, the seriousness of the allegations has already made headlines across the country and abroad.

In response, Rocchi announced that he would step aside from his role with immediate effect. His colleague, Andrea Gervasoni, has done the same.

The decision to suspend themselves is seen as an attempt to protect the integrity of the refereeing body while the legal process unfolds.

Authorities are closely examining five matches from the past two seasons.

These include Inter vs Verona (January 6, 2024), vs (March 1, 2025), Salernitana vs Modena (March 8, 2025), vs Inter (April 20, 2025) and Inter vs (April 23, 2025)