Match-fixing scandal rocks the football world: Investigation launched into 5 referees
Allegations that 5 referees officiating in Italy's Serie A and Serie B unfairly influenced the results of several key matches over the past two years have hit the football agenda like a bombshell. In the investigation, where referee appointments and VAR decisions are under scrutiny, changes are taking place in the federation management and refereeing staff.
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The football community in Italy is reeling from suspicions that referees may have influenced match results in certain games. An investigation has been launched into referee and VAR decisions in various matches played in Serie A, Serie B, and the Coppa Italia, particularly during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons.
Within the scope of the investigations conducted by the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office, it was reported that 5 referees have come to the fore due to appointments and VAR applications that affected the outcomes of matches, and new appointments have been made in the federation following the allegations.
FIVE REFEREES UNDER INVESTIGATION
According to reports in Italian sports newspapers, five names from the Serie A and B Referee Appointment Committee, headed by former referee Gianluca Rocchi, are mentioned in the investigation: It is alleged that former referee Gianluca Rocchi, VAR observer Andrea Gervasoni, VAR referees Luigi Nasca and Daniele Paterna, and assistant VAR referee Rodolfo Di Vuolo committed irregularities in a total of five matches, three of which were in Serie A, one in Serie B, and one in the Coppa Italia.
Initial allegations regarding the incident focused on the claim that Rocchi directly intervened in certain VAR decisions and frequently appointed referees favored by Inter to the matches of the blue-and-black team. It was announced that no club executive's name has been mentioned in the investigation so far.
This scandal, which erupted following Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, has shaken the confidence of football fans and authorities.
CHANGES IN APPOINTMENTS AND MANAGEMENT
Following the emerging allegations, the Italian Referees Association (AIA) appointed Dino Tommasi to be responsible for referee appointments until the end of the season. This change, made after Rocchi's removal from office, sent a message that the referee appointment processes in professional leagues will be monitored more closely.
In addition, Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) President Luciano Bonfiglio also made statements regarding speculations about the appointment of a trustee to the federation. Bonfiglio stated that there is no situation under current conditions that would require the appointment of a trustee to the federation.
Similar accusations have occasionally come to the fore in Italian football before, but this time, the allegations directly concerning central referee appointments and the VAR system have increased the seriousness of the investigation. Experts emphasize that the consequences of the incident could lead to more deep-rooted changes in Italian football in the coming days.