Serie A: Referee official under investigation for alleged favoritism faces justice

Europe 25 April 2026 at 19:05

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

Italian football is once again rocked by a sensitive scandal. The head of referees, Gianluca Rocchi, is under investigation for alleged sporting fraud. At the heart of the matter: controversial referee appointments and suspicions of interference with VAR decisions.

The Serie A is in turmoil. According to an inquiry launched by the Milan prosecutor’s office, Gianluca Rocchi is suspected of having steered certain referee appointments in favor of Inter Milan.

In the spotlight: the assignment of referees perceived as favorable to the Milanese club for key matches. Conversely, some officials were reportedly sidelined. The case of Daniele Doveri is particularly mentioned, as the referee was withdrawn from a match involving Inter due to allegedly tense relations.

Alleged pressure on VAR

The investigation is also focusing on possible pressure exerted on video assistant refereeing (VAR). If confirmed, such actions would represent a serious breach of competition integrity.

One specific incident has caught investigators’ attention: during a match between Udinese and Parma, Gianluca Rocchi allegedly tried to influence a decision by intervening near the VAR booth. The episode reportedly ended with a review of a contentious play and the awarding of a penalty, despite the video officials initially being against such an intervention.

Dual proceedings underway

The case is being handled by Milan prosecutor Maurizio Ascione for "concorso in frode sportiva," or possible complicity in sporting fraud. Simultaneously, the general sports prosecutor, Ugo Taucer, has asked Giuseppe Chinè to provide a detailed report on the situation.

This dual approach—judicial and disciplinary—could lead to significant sanctions if the allegations are substantiated.

Self-suspension and unrest in refereeing

Given the gravity of the accusations, Gianluca Rocchi has decided to suspend himself pending his appearance before the court. This move aims to calm tensions, though it does little to dispel the doubts currently swirling around Italian refereeing.

Italian football under strain

This case brings back memories of the Calciopoli scandal, which profoundly shook Italian football. Above all, it reignites the debate over transparency and independence in Italian refereeing.

At a time when the credibility of the competitions is under more scrutiny than ever, Serie A finds itself facing yet another storm. The outcome of this case could have major repercussions on the league’s image and the governance of Italian football.