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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Referee Gianluca Rocchi reacts during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona at Old Trafford on April 10, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Serie A referee chief Gianluca Rocchi is under investigation for suspected sports fraud, and investigators believe a video proves the 52-year-old influenced VAR decisions during games.
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Italian football is being shaken by another referee scandal involving referee designator Rocchi and VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni.
Rocchi will be heard in the Milan Prosecutor’s office on April 30, as he’s accused, among other things, of having influenced VAR decisions during matches.
A video from March 1, 2025, shows VAR official Daniele Paterna reviewing a potential handball incident inside Parma’s box during their away match against Udinese.
Paterna seems reluctant to impose a penalty because, he says, the Parma player’s arm didn’t make his body unnaturally bigger.
However, at some point, Paterna suddenly turns to his right and asks, ‘Is that a penalty?’
According to investigators, Paterna turned towards Rocchi, who had knocked on the VAR officials’ door to say a pitchside review was needed.
This would violate VAR regulations, as decisions can only be made by the three VAR officials and the on-field referee without external influence.
Rocchi has now suspended himself, saying that he’s confident he’ll emerge “stronger than before.”
Rocchi is also accused of having chosen referees favoured by Inter during the 2024-25 campaign.
Video: Did Rocchi influence VAR decisions?
ByLorenzo Bettoni
Lorenzo Bettoni is the Editor of Football Italia.
