The lawyer representing Gianluca Rocchi, who is facing an investigation for alleged sporting fraud, has pointed out a potential weakness in the case against the refereeing designator, stating, “I’ve never seen an indictment that doesn’t specify who the other subject is.”
Rocchi’s Defense Against Sporting Fraud Allegations
Referee designator Rocchi is currently under scrutiny by the public prosecutor’s office in Milan for accusations of sporting fraud. This is a serious charge that was notably absent even during the significant Calciopoli scandal.
Reports suggest that Rocchi may have influenced VAR protocols during a Serie A match between Udinese and Parma on March 1, 2025. Allegations include him banging on the VAR booth window and urging officials to request an on-field review for a penalty. Furthermore, claims have surfaced that Rocchi attempted to exclude referee Daniele Doveri from officiating certain Inter matches towards the end of the 2024-25 season, as Doveri was reportedly not considered a “favorable” referee for the Nerazzurri.
In response to the ongoing investigation by the Milan prosecutor’s office, Rocchi has stepped down from his role as referee designator pending the outcome.
Rocchi is scheduled to appear before the Milan prosecutor’s office on April 30. His legal counsel, Antonio D’Avirro, believes there is a fundamental issue with the investigation concerning his client.
D’Avirro asserts that the investigation is centered on an alleged “agreement” involving multiple parties. However, he points out that Rocchi is the sole individual currently being investigated, which he argues is logically inconsistent.
“These are disputes I cannot comprehend, because the involvement of several individuals was reported, yet these other individuals have not been identified. I have never encountered a situation where the other party to an alleged agreement is not brought forward in sporting fraud cases,” stated Rocchi’s lawyer.
“We are evaluating the situation. We do not know who these other individuals are; it has not been specified.”
There have also been indications that Rocchi made arrangements to remove specific referees from certain Inter matches during his time at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza last season. His lawyer has categorically denied these claims.
“Rocchi visited all the stadiums, and regardless of the circumstances, the prosecutor’s office must identify these other individuals. I have handled numerous trials involving sporting fraud, and I have never seen an indictment that fails to specify who the other party is.”
