Serie A Referee Chief Suspends Himself Amid Fraud Investigation
Italian referee chief suspends himself over ‘sporting fraud’ allegations
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referees for Italy's Serie A and Serie B, has suspended himself following an investigation into allegations of 'sporting fraud' by Milan prosecutors. The inquiry includes accusations of manipulating referee selections and pressuring VAR officials during key matches.
- 01Gianluca Rocchi has temporarily stepped down from his role amid fraud allegations.
- 02He is accused of influencing referee selections for matches, including Inter's April 2022 match against Bologna.
- 03Andrea Gervasoni, the VAR chief, is also under investigation for similar charges.
- 04Prosecutors allege Rocchi pressured VAR officials to alter decisions during games.
- 05Sporting fraud in Italy carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison.
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Gianluca Rocchi, the chief referee for Serie A and Serie B in Italy, has announced his temporary suspension amid an investigation by Milan prosecutors for alleged 'sporting fraud'. Rocchi stated that this decision aims to facilitate the judicial process, from which he believes he will emerge unscathed. He faces accusations of manipulating referee appointments, notably selecting Andrea Colombo for Inter Milan's match against Bologna in April 2022, a game that Bologna won 1-0. Additionally, Rocchi is alleged to have pressured VAR official Daniele Paterna to reconsider a handball decision during a match between Udinese and Parma in March 2022. The investigation into these claims could lead to further inquiries by the Italian football federation, as sporting fraud is a serious offense in Italy, punishable by up to six years in prison.
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The investigation could lead to significant changes in officiating standards and accountability in Italian football.
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