New Delhi: Prosecutors in Milan have requested the dismissal of the sports fraud case against Gianluca Rocchi, the former referee appointments chief for Italy’s Serie A and Serie B football leagues. Following a nearly two-year investigation, the prosecution concluded that there was no concrete evidence of match-fixing or any organised manipulation in the appointment of referees.
Rocchi, who was responsible for assigning referees to Italy’s top two professional football divisions, had been investigated over suspected complicity in sports fraud involving referee appointments for four matches. The probe included Torino’s Serie A fixture against Inter Milan during the recently concluded season.
After the investigation began, Rocchi stepped aside from his role in April, stating that he wanted the legal process to proceed without interference and that he was confident the investigation would ultimately clear his name.
According to Italian news agency ANSA, Milan prosecutors reviewed documents, communication records, and other evidence collected during the two-year inquiry. Investigators found no proof of any organised system intended to manipulate referee appointments or influence the outcome of matches.
Although prosecutors have recommended closing the criminal case, they have forwarded the investigation documents to the sports judicial authorities and the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). These bodies will now determine whether any disciplinary rules may have been violated.
This means that while the possibility of criminal prosecution against Rocchi appears to be coming to an end, a separate disciplinary review under sports governance regulations may still continue.
The case had drawn attention amid concerns over transparency in Italy’s football administration and the process of appointing referees. Investigators examined whether referee selections for certain matches had been improperly influenced in a manner that could compromise the integrity of the competition. However, based on the available evidence, prosecutors found no indication of organised match-fixing or a criminal conspiracy related to referee appointments.
The final decision will now rest with the court, which will consider the prosecutors’ request to dismiss the case. Meanwhile, the sports judicial authorities will continue their independent assessment and may initiate disciplinary proceedings if they identify any breach of sporting regulations. At present, the investigation has not established any criminal evidence linking Rocchi to match-fixing or sports fraud.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
