Former referee designator Gianluca Rocchi has appeared before the Milan Prosecutor's Office to address allegations of sports fraud and match-fixing. According to reports from Italian news agency Ansa, Rocchi met with Public Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione and Deputy Prosecutor Paolo Ielo to defend himself against claims of delivering refereeing favors to Inter Milan. The move marks a shift from last April, when Rocchi exercised his right to remain silent and declined to appear before investigators.
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Subscribe Sekarang →Represented by defense attorneys Antonio Bana and Antonio D'Avirro, Rocchi firmly rejected all charges brought against him during the session. "No match-fixing in favor of Inter and no pressure on VAR," Rocchi stated during questioning, according to sources close to the inquiry. He denied any involvement in selecting referees deemed unfavorable to certain clubs or exerting improper influence on Video Assistant Referees stationed in Lissone, including a controversial incident involving an ungranted penalty for Udinese against Parma.
Based on editorial team observations, the high-profile inquiry into Italian refereeing conduct is reaching its final stage. Investigators have recently questioned other prominent football figures, including former AIA president Antonio Zappi and his predecessor Alfredo Trentalange. The investigation is expected to conclude before July 15, when Prosecutor Ascione transitions to the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutors will soon decide whether to file for trial, archive the case, or forward documentation to sports justice authorities.
The legal developments coincided with significant administrative changes within the Italian refereeing system. Former referee Daniele Orsato was appointed as Rocchi's successor in the role of CAN A and B referee designator on the same day the interrogation details emerged. From editorial monitoring, the ongoing probe continues to draw heavy scrutiny across Italian football as sports officials prepare for potential disciplinary or judicial outcomes.