According to reports in Italy, VAR officials were allegedly influenced by external figures, such as referees’ chief Gianluca Rocchi, who used ‘coded messages’ to suggest whether to alert the referee on the pitch.
Serie A and Serie B designator Rocchi is under investigation for suspected participation in sports fraud and has therefore suspended himself from his duties.
Serie A referee scandal: latest updates
The former international referee is expected to be heard by the Milan Prosecutor on April 30, while the FIGC Prosecutor has denied having requested documents from authorities in the ongoing criminal investigation.
Rocchi is suspected of influencing VAR decisions, as a video appears to show.
On March 1, 2025, VAR official Daniele Paterna reviewed a potential penalty for Udinese in their home game against Parma and initially seemed reluctant to urge the on-the-pitch referee to the pitchside monitor.
However, Paterna suddenly turned right, seemingly talking to someone outside the VAR room. Paterna asked, ‘Is that a penalty?’ before telling the referee to review the incident on the monitor.
Repubblica reports that investigators believe VAR officials were aware of coded messages that would be used to assess controversial incidents and, therefore, to determine whether to alert the referee on the pitch.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Referee Gianluca Rocchi during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
A raised hand meant ‘do not intervene’, while a clenched fist meant ‘send the referee to monitor’.
“Whether these are exaggerations or even smear tactics burn out of internal feuds within the refereeing world, or instead pieces of evidence supporting the allegations, will become clear when the prosecutors reveal their findings,” wrote Repubblica.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 12: Referee Simone Sozza checks the pitch side VAR monitor during the Serie A match between Atalanta and AS Roma at Gewiss Stadium on May 12, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni is also under investigation and, just like Rocchi, he’s expected to be heard on April 30.
Rocchi is also accused of having appointed referees who were liked by Inter during the 2024-25 campaign, yet no evidence has emerged.
Nerazzurri President Marotta has insisted that the club is not involved in the scandal and, currently, no Inter representative is under investigation.