Italy: Gianluca Rocchi, head of referee appointments since 2021, under investigation for "sports fraud"

Gianluca Rocchi, former international referee and head of referee appointments for Serie A, Serie B, the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa and the EA Sports FC Supercup since 03/07/2021, has been placed under investigation for alleged sports fraud in association, Milan prosecutor Maurizio Ascione announced on 25/04/2026. He has been summoned to appear in court to be heard on Thursday 30/04/2026.

Gianluca Rocchi, born on 25/08/1973, suspended himself from his duties "for the good of the CAN (Commissione Arbitri Nazionale, the FIGC’s national commission for Serie A and Serie B referees), which must be able to work in peace," on the evening of 25/04/2026. "I will come back stronger than before," he said, having refereed 263 Serie A matches between 2004 and 2020, the third-highest total in the history of the Italian top flight.

Domenico Rocca, a former linesman, has accused Gianluca Rocchi of interfering with the VAR during a match between Udinese and Parma (1-0, Matchday 27 of the 2025-26 Serie A Enilive season) on 01/03/025. Whilst the Italian Football Federation has not responded, the Italian…