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Serie A Referee designator investigated for alleged sports fraud with pressure on VAR
TL;DR
Gianluca Rocchi, the Serie A and Serie B referee designator, is under investigation for alleged sports fraud related to influencing VAR decisions. Reports indicate that this investigation could have significant implications for Italian football.
Key points
- Gianluca Rocchi is under investigation for sports fraud.
- Allegations involve influencing VAR decisions.
- Reports originated from Italian media outlets.
Mentioned in this story
Gianluca Rocchi
Serie ASerie B
Serie A Referee designator investigated for alleged sports fraud with pressure on VAR
Reports in Italy claim that Serie A and Serie B referee designator Gianluca Rocchi is under investigation for ‘participation in sports fraud’ on suspicion of having influenced VAR’s decisions.
Italian sources claim that referee designator Rocchi is under investigation for participation in sports fraud. Press agency AGI first reported the news, and other media outlets, including Gazzetta dello Sport later confirmed it.
Why Serie A referee designator Rocchi is under investigation
The whole matter began in May 2025 through a complaint letter sent to the Italian Referees Association (AIA) by former referee assistant Domenico Rocca, 42.
The sports justice department archived the complaint, but now the issue has potential criminal relevance.
Rocchi reportedly received notice of an investigation on Friday, April 24, for alleged participation in sports fraud.
The investigation led by Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione addresses incidents that took place primarily during the 2024-25 season.
One of the incidents occurred during the Serie A match between Udinese and Parma on March 1, 2025. During the game, the three VAR officials in Lissone discussed a potential handball inside Parma’s box.
Initially, VAR official Daniele Paterna appeared inclined to rule out the penalty, saying: ‘Look at the position of the arm, it seems on the body.’
Q&A
What are the allegations against Gianluca Rocchi?
Gianluca Rocchi is being investigated for alleged participation in sports fraud, specifically for influencing VAR decisions in Serie A and Serie B matches.
Which media outlets reported on Rocchi's investigation?
The investigation was first reported by AGI and later confirmed by other media outlets, including Gazzetta dello Sport.
What could be the consequences of Rocchi's investigation for Italian football?
The investigation into Rocchi could lead to increased scrutiny of VAR decisions and potentially impact the integrity of matches in Serie A and Serie B.
