Report: Coded messages for VAR and referees in controversial incidents

Report: Coded messages for VAR and referees in controversial incidents

According to reports in Italy, VAR officials were allegedly influenced by external figures, such as referees’ chief Gianluca Rocchi, who used ‘coded messages’ to suggest whether to alert the referee on the pitch.

Serie A and Serie B designator Rocchi is under investigation for suspected participation in sports fraud and has therefore suspended himself from his duties.

Serie A referee scandal: latest updates

The former international referee is expected to be heard by the Milan Prosecutor on April 30, while the FIGC Prosecutor has denied havingrequested documents from authorities in the ongoing criminal investigation.

Rocchi is suspected of influencing VAR decisions, as a video appears to show.

On March 1, 2025, VAR official Daniele Paterna reviewed a potential penalty for Udinese in their home game against Parma and initially seemed reluctant to urge the on-the-pitch referee to the pitchside monitor.

However, Paterna suddenly turned right, seemingly talking to someone outside the VAR room. Paterna asked, ‘Is that a penalty?’ before telling the referee to review the incident on the monitor.

Repubblica that investigators believe VAR officials were aware of coded messages that would be used to assess controversial incidents and, therefore, to determine whether to alert the referee on the pitch.