Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has commented on the recent refereeing scandal, stating that making hasty judgments is inappropriate while investigations are ongoing. He emphasized that he cannot provide specific details due to his position and the ongoing nature of the inquiry.
The controversy centers around Gianluca Rocchi, the referee designator, who is reportedly under investigation. This stems from a complaint filed in May 2025 by former assistant referee Domenico Rocca. Although initially archived, the complaint has been reopened and is being examined by the Milan public prosecutor’s office.
Reports indicate that Rocchi received notification of the investigation on April 24th. The accusation is sporting fraud, a serious charge that was reportedly not even part of the infamous Calciopoli scandal. Allegations suggest Rocchi may have interfered with VAR during a Serie A match between Udinese and Parma on March 1st, 2025. It is claimed he banged on the VAR booth window and suggested a penalty review. Further claims suggest Rocchi attempted to prevent referee Daniele Doveri from officiating Inter Milan’s crucial matches towards the end of the 2024-25 season, implying Doveri was not a favorable referee for the club.
In response to the developments, Simonelli stated, “Following what I have read in the media, I would like to remind you that, as in any other situation, these are accusations by the investigators, and it is everyone’s duty to consider them as such. Premature judgments or conclusions of any kind are out of place while dutifully waiting for the investigations to complete their journey to the truth. None of us know any details of the affair, and as custodians, that is our exact duty until the final judgment.”
