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Apr 26, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Italian Referee Chief Gianluca Rocchi Suspends Himself Amid Sporting Fraud Probe

AI Summary
Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referees for Serie A and Serie B, has voluntarily stepped aside as prosecutors investigate alleged sporting fraud involving referee appointments and VAR interference. The probe centers on two 1‑0 matches from 2025 and could carry a six‑year prison term.

Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referees for Serie A and Serie B, announced on Saturday that he is suspending himself while prosecutors in Milan investigate alleged “sporting fraud”.

Allegations and the Matches at the Center of the Probe

Investigators claim Rocchi influenced the appointment of Andrea Colombo for Inter’s 1‑0 win at Bologna in April 2025, citing a “liking” of Inter. They also allege he pressured VAR official Daniele Paterna during Udinese’s 1‑0 victory over Parma in March 2025, leading to a penalty that allowed Florian Thauvin to score the decisive goal.

Legal Stakes and the Numbers Behind the Case

  • Maximum prison term for sporting fraud in Italy: six years.
  • Matches under scrutiny: Inter vs Bologna (1‑0) and Udinese vs Parma (1‑0).
  • Potential financial impact: clubs could face fines up to €5 million if the federation opens a separate inquiry (estimate based on past sanctions).

Impact on Italian Football Governance

The suspension puts the referee‑appointment system under a spotlight, prompting the Italian Football Federation to consider an independent review. A repeat of such allegations could erode fan trust and jeopardise broadcast contracts worth billions of euros.

What Comes Next: Possible Scenarios

If prosecutors secure charges, Rocchi could face a trial with a sentence up to six years. The federation may replace him temporarily, tighten VAR protocols, and introduce transparent referee‑selection software. Conversely, a dismissal of the case could restore the status quo but leave lingering doubts about oversight.