Red Card For Ref: Serie A Referee Chief Suspends Himself Amid Wild Investigation

Last Updated:April 27, 2026, 11:49 IST

Serie A refereeing chief Gianluca Rocchi steps aside after a sporting fraud probe over VAR decisions.

In a fascinating twist of fate, Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referees for Serie A and Serie B, has suspended himself.

The decision comes after Rocchi was formally placed under investigation by Milan’s Public Prosecutor’s Office for alleged “sporting fraud."

He is being probed alongside VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni over potential irregularities in VAR decisions during last season’s Serie A campaign.

To put it simply, authorities suspect Rocchi may have influenced VAR calls and assigned referees to matches in a way that favoured certain clubs.

The investigation is ongoing, and key details, including whether clubs were involved, remain unclear.

Rocchi Responds

Rocchi has denied any wrongdoing while confirming he has received formal notice of the investigation.

“This morning I received a notice of investigation. I am sure I have always acted correctly and I have full confidence in the judiciary," he said in a statement to ANSA.

He then confirmed his decision to step down temporarily.

“Regarding today’s events, in agreement with the AIA and for the sake of the CAN group, which must be able to operate with maximum serenity, I have decided to self-suspend, effective immediately, from the role of head of the CAN."

“This choice, painful and difficult, but shared with my family, is intended to allow for the proper course of the judicial proceedings, from which I am certain I will emerge unscathed and stronger than before."

Echoes of Calciopoli

For many, this situation evokes memories of the infamous Calciopoli scandal.

Back in 2006, top clubs, most notably Juventus, were found to have influenced referee appointments. Juventus were relegated and stripped of two league titles as a result.

Sporting fraud is a serious criminal offence in Italy, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to six years. This case will also be referred to the Italian Football Federation, which could launch its own disciplinary proceedings.

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