Italy Serie A Referee Chief Suspends Self in Fraud Probe

Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referees for Italy's Serie A and Serie B, suspended himself on Sunday amid a criminal investigation into allegations of complicity in sporting fraud, casting a shadow over the nation's already troubled football landscape.

The 52-year-old former international referee, who oversees match official assignments for the top two divisions through the Italian Referees Association, faces scrutiny from Milan prosecutors over decisions during the 2024-25 season. A preliminary hearing is set for Thursday, April 30. Rocchi's colleague, Andrea Gervasoni, the video assistant referee supervisor, also stepped aside voluntarily while under investigation for related matters.

According to investigators, Rocchi is accused of influencing referee selections to benefit Inter Milan in at least two instances. On April 20, officials allege he designated Andrea Colombo to officiate Bologna's league match against Inter, a choice reportedly preferred by the club. Inter lost 1-0, with the decisive goal by Riccardo Orsolini drawing later questions over a possible foul. Days later, on April 23, Rocchi allegedly arranged for Daniele Doveri to handle the Coppa Italia semifinal second...