MILAN – Italian soccer is facing a crisis both on and off the pitch, with a new refereeing scandal surfacing just as the men’s national team grapples with its failure to qualify for the World Cup once again.
Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referees for Serie A and Serie B, is now under criminal investigation for alleged sports fraud and is scheduled to appear in court in Milan on Thursday.
In addition, the VAR supervisor, Andrea Gervasoni, is also under scrutiny.
Rocchi has been accused of meddling with VAR decisions and manipulating the referee selection process. He has decided to step back from his duties pending further developments.
“We must ensure that the soccer system remains transparent and fair,” stated Serie A president Ezio Simonelli. “While we trust the relevant authorities to carry out their work, an investigation should not undermine the integrity and effort of the entire system.
“If mistakes have been made, those responsible should face consequences. However, it is crucial to maintain the credibility of the system and the integrity of the league.”
The investigation into Rocchi focuses on his actions during the 2024-25 season. He allegedly disrupted VAR protocols during a Serie A match between Udinese and Parma on March 1, 2025, by banging on the VAR booth window and encouraging referees to call for an on-field review of a penalty.
Reports in Italian media suggest that Rocchi’s choice of referees is also under investigation, with allegations that he appointed a referee more favorable to Inter Milan for one of their matches.
While Inter, who finished just one point behind Serie A champions Napoli, have not been implicated in any wrongdoing.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) previously conducted an investigation into the VAR booth incident last year but dropped disciplinary proceedings in July. Nevertheless, the matter has resurfaced with the criminal investigation underway.
FIGC Prosecutor Giuseppe Chiné indicated that he is in communication with the Milan public prosecutor’s office and will reconsider reopening the FIGC investigation should new evidence surface.
Italian soccer is already in turmoil after the national team’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, which led to the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso earlier this month.