Italy Referee Chief Rocchi Steps Aside Amid Fraud Probe

Gianluca Rocchi, the chief referee of Italy, has announced his decision to step aside from his duties immediately due to a sports fraud investigation launched by prosecutors in Milan. This investigation examines allegations of irregularities related to the refereeing process during the last Serie A season, including the handling of VAR technology.

Andrea Gervasoni, the VAR supervisor, is also under scrutiny as part of this investigation. Rocchi described his decision as difficult but necessary to allow the legal process to proceed without interference, expressing confidence in the investigation's outcome.

Reports in the Italian media suggest that the investigation is looking into claims that Rocchi interfered with VAR protocols to favor Inter Milan during specific fixtures last season. In response, Inter Milan's president, Giuseppe Marotta, expressed shock at the allegations, denying any involvement and asserting that the club did not receive preferential treatment.

The situation has raised fears of a potential refereeing crisis in Italian football, drawing comparisons to the Calciopoli scandal that previously shook the sport.