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Italian football is facing renewed scrutiny after prosecutors opened an investigation into allegations that referee appointments and video assistant referee (VAR) decisions may have influenced match outcomes across the country’s top two leagues.
Authorities in Milan are examining five figures from the refereeing community in connection with suspected interference in a small number of matches played over the past two seasons in Serie A and Serie B, according to reports.
The inquiry, which became public on April 25, focuses on whether referee assignments and VAR interventions were manipulated in a way that could impact match results. Italian media reported that five individuals linked to officiating bodies are being reviewed, with no club executives named in the investigation.
Those under scrutiny include former referee Gianluca Rocchi, who heads the body responsible for appointing referees in Italy’s top divisions, along with VAR officials Andrea Gervasoni, Luigi Nasca, Rodolfo Di Vuolo and Daniele Paterna.
The investigation reportedly centers on a limited set of matches, including several in Serie A, one in Serie B and one in the Coppa Italia, spanning the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons.
According to details cited in media coverage, Rocchi is suspected of attempting to influence both referee assignments and in-game VAR decisions. One allegation claims that a referee considered “liked by Inter” was selected for a league match, while another suggests pressure was applied on a VAR official to prompt an on-field review of a potential handball incident.
In one cited case, video footage from the VAR room reportedly shows an official reacting after being addressed off-camera, later indicating a penalty decision. Prosecutors allege that external pressure may have contributed to reversing an earlier judgment that the incident did not warrant review.
Following the emergence of the allegations, Rocchi announced that he would temporarily step aside from his role overseeing referee appointments in order to allow the legal process to proceed without interference.
“This painful and difficult decision … is intended to allow the judicial proceedings, from which I am certain I will emerge unscathed, to run smoothly,” Rocchi said.
Gervasoni, who serves as VAR chief, is also under investigation on similar charges described as “sporting fraud,” a criminal offense in Italy that carries a potential prison sentence of up to six years.
Italy’s referees’ association, the Italian Referees Association, moved to appoint Dino Tommasi as interim head of referee assignments until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Italian National Olympic Committee President Luciano Bonfiglio said there was no need to appoint an external administrator to oversee the Italian Football Federation, signaling that authorities do not currently see grounds for extraordinary intervention.
The case is also expected to be reviewed by the Italian Football Federation, which may open a separate disciplinary inquiry alongside the ongoing criminal investigation.
As proceedings continue, both judicial authorities and football bodies are expected to assess whether the allegations point to isolated incidents or deeper structural issues.
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