Milan Prosecutor Opens Major Sporting Fraud Probe Into Serie A Referee Selection System

Gianluca Rocchi and Andrea Gervasoni face sporting fraud charges in Milan as prosecutors investigate "arranged" referee appointments in Serie A.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 3:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

The Return of Systemic Scrutiny to Calcio

The Italian football landscape has been plunged into a state of high anxiety following the formal registration of Gianluca Rocchi and Andrea Gervasoni as suspects in a widening corruption probe. The investigation, spearheaded by the Milan Public Prosecutor, centers on allegations that the refereeing appointment system was manipulated to favor specific outcomes during the 2024–25 season. This development has inevitably drawn comparisons to the 2006 Calciopoli scandal, as authorities examine whether the integrity of the league’s officiating body, the AIA, has been compromised by internal or external pressures.

Allegations of Unauthorized VAR Interference

A primary focus of the Milanese prosecutors is the alleged violation of VAR protocols. Specifically, investigators are scrutinizing a March 1, 2025, fixture between Udinese and Parma, where Gianluca Rocchi is suspected of personally intervening to force an on-field review. It is alleged that Rocchi pressured VAR official Daniele Paterna to induce a penalty review, despite protocol strictly prohibiting the Designator from influencing active match decisions. Video evidence and communications from outside the VAR room on that date are currently being analyzed to determine the extent of this unauthorized interference.

Manipulated Appointments and the "Shielding" of Officials

Beyond technical interference, the probe explores three specific charges of "arranging" referee assignments for sensitive matches involving league leaders Inter Milan. Prosecutors are examining the appointments for the April 20, 2025, fixture between Bologna and Inter, as well as several Coppa Italia matches. The investigation suggests that certain referees were "shielded" or strategically assigned to ensure favorable conditions for specific clubs. While the charges list these matches as points of interest, the Milan Prosecutor’s Office has been careful to clarify that the current evidence points to a "refereeing-only" scandal, rather than a club-led conspiracy.