Italian Football's Top Referee Boss Investigated for Sports Fraud

Gianluca Rocchi, the official responsible for assigning referees to every Serie A and Serie B match in Italy, is now the subject of a criminal investigation for alleged "participation in sports fraud." Authorities suspect he physically interfered with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials during live matches — not through administrative misconduct, but by allegedly knocking on the VAR booth's glass to influence crucial decisions.

Rocchi addressed the situation publicly on Saturday, stating: "This morning I received a notice of investigation. I am sure I have always acted correctly and I have full confidence in the judiciary."

Details of the criminal probe

The investigation, spearheaded by Milan Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione, concentrates primarily on the 2024-25 season — the campaign that saw Napoli claim the title on the final day of competition. According to investigative reports, Rocchi allegedly abandoned his official position at the Lissone VAR centre and knocked on the VAR room's glass door while reviews were underway, attempting to influence match officials' decisions.

A particularly notable incident occurred during the Udinese versus Parma fixture on March 1, 2025. VAR official Daniele Paterna was examining a possible handball inside Parma's penalty area. His initial assessment indicated no infraction — "Look at the position of the arm, it seems on the body," he noted. Moments later, he looked away from the screen. Investigators believe this is when Rocchi allegedly intervened. The penalty was awarded to Udinese, who converted it and secured a 1-0 victory.

The probe has also resurrected a previously closed case from the 2023-24 season involving Alessandro Bastoni. In that instance, VAR official Luigi Nasca was demoted for not calling a foul that resulted in a goal. Civil courts have now reopened the matter.

Beyond VAR interference allegations, investigators are examining whether Rocchi assigned referees based on club preferences — with Inter Milan specifically mentioned in reports — rather than maintaining neutral appointments. No clubs have issued statements on the matter.

Echoes of Calciopoli

Italian football has confronted this type of scandal before. In 2006, the Calciopoli affair revealed a systematic arrangement where clubs actively selected favourable referees. Juventus were relegated to Serie B, stripped of two championships, and the entire football governance structure underwent massive reform. That was nearly two decades ago.

The similarities are striking and deeply troubling. If the allegations against Rocchi prove accurate, this isn't simply an isolated official making questionable calls — it's the individual controlling the entire refereeing system allegedly manipulating results. Every tight decision, every penalty awarded, every championship race from the previous two seasons now exists under scrutiny.

Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi spoke bluntly about the situation: "The most serious issue that emerges is how this complaint was handled within the football system." That complaint originated from former referee assistant Domenico Rocca in May 2025 — and according to Abodi, there has been no public response and no transparency regarding who received it or what action was taken.

Any betting market connected to Serie A results from the 2024-25 season — spread betting, championship odds, relegation outcomes — now rests on potentially tainted foundations. Napoli's Scudetto triumph may be entirely legitimate, but questions will persist regardless.

The investigation continues. CONI, Italy's National Olympic Committee, has been formally requested to provide answers. Rocchi remains in his position for the time being.