Serie A’s head of referees, Gianluca Rocchi, is currently under investigation for alleged sports fraud. Authorities reportedly possess a video that suggests the 52-year-old may have influenced Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions during football matches.
This situation has sent ripples through Italian football, involving Rocchi and VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni in another refereeing scandal.
Rocchi is scheduled to appear before the Milan Prosecutor’s office on April 30. He is accused, among other charges, of exerting influence over VAR decisions during games.
A video from March 1, 2025, reportedly captures VAR official Daniele Paterna reviewing a potential handball incident within Parma’s penalty area during their away match against Udinese. Initially, Paterna appeared hesitant to award a penalty, stating that the Parma player’s arm did not unnaturally enlarge his body.
However, at a certain point in the footage, Paterna is heard asking, “Is that a penalty?” while turning to his right.
Investigators believe Paterna turned towards Rocchi, who had reportedly knocked on the VAR officials’ door to indicate that a pitchside review was necessary. This action, if proven, would contravene VAR regulations, which stipulate that decisions must be made solely by the VAR officials and the on-field referee, free from external influence.
In response to the allegations, Rocchi has voluntarily suspended himself. He has expressed confidence that he will emerge from this situation “stronger than before.”
Additionally, Rocchi is facing accusations of showing favoritism towards referees who were favored by Inter during the 2024-25 season.
Video Evidence: Did Rocchi Interfere with VAR?
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Ve soruşturmanın merkezindeki görüntü. Videonun 50’nci saniyesinde görüldüğü üzere Paterna arkasına dönüp birine “Penaltı mı?” diye soruyor. https://t.co/2hP69rI1hu pic.twitter.com/dUiTNhJbDl
— calciolog (@calciolog_tr) April 25, 2026