Arbitration case: Prosecutor divided over request

Why this matters

The case of Gianluca Rocchi, former referee designator, is generating great controversy in Italian football, especially in the context of Serie A. The Milan Procuratorate's investigation into allegations of sporting fraud could have significant implications for the integrity of referees in the league. The Prosecutor's Office's internal division regarding the archiving request reveals the complexity and seriousness of the situation.

Main conclusions

Arbitration case: Prosecutor divided over request.
The Milan Public Prosecutor's Office has not yet closed the arbitration investigation and is divided over the request to be closed by former designator Gianluca Rocchi.
In the case of arbitration, seek the currency for the archiviation by Rocchi.

The investigation into arbitrations in Italy has entered decisive hours. In Milan, the Public Prosecutor's Office (Procura) has not yet closed the dossier and remains divided regarding the request for archiving regarding Gianluca Rocchi,

Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione, about to be transferred to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, has to decide whether or not to follow the conclusions of deputy prosecutor Paolo Ielo, recently associated with the case to unravel the most sensitive points of this dense investigation that has been shaking up Italian football. To date, and in the antechamber of his departure from the fourth floor of the Palace of Justice in Milan, Ascione has not yet signed the final act that consolidates the conclusions of the investigation.

In parallel, there are chapters of the process without internal contestation regarding the next step. This is the case of the segment relating to “bussate” calls to the VAR room in Lissone, which will be sent to the Monza Prosecutor's Office for reasons of territorial jurisdiction. At the same time, the collected documentation will be sent to the sports court, in order to assess possible disciplinary infractions. This parallel path may proceed independently of the criminal outcome, as is usual in matters that touch on competitive integrity.

The uncertainty about Rocchi's judicial fate reflects the division within the Prosecutor's Office itself, reflecting the complexity of an investigation that involves five people under investigation and multiple developments. If Ascione does not change its position by tomorrow night, it will be up to Ielo to formalize the closure of the investigation with the distribution of the various attachments, explaining the procedural fate of each of the five targeted.

The case, which has gained traction over the past few months, focuses on the sensitive sphere of arbitrator appointments and the functioning of video arbitration bodies. Although Torino-Inter is one of the games under scrutiny, there is no known conclusion in the public process regarding match-fixing, and the possible decision to archive in relation to Rocchi will only focus on the absence of sufficient evidence in the criminal aspect attributed to him. What now remains is the formal confirmation of the decisions, in a dossier that promises to continue marking the current affairs of Serie A and the agenda of Italian arbitration.

What happens next

The decision of prosecutor Maurizio Ascione, who is about to be transferred to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, will be crucial for the future of the case. If he decides not to close the case, the investigation can go to the sports court, where possible infractions will be evaluated. Furthermore, the segment related to the 'bussate' to Lissone's VAR room will be forwarded to the Monza Prosecutor's Office, indicating that the situation is still far from being resolved.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Gianluca Rocchi?

Gianluca Rocchi, former referee appointee, is under investigation for alleged 'contest in sports fraud' relating to appointments in four matches, including Torino-Inter.

Who confirmed the research on Rocchi?

The investigation is being led by the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office, with prosecutor Maurizio Ascione and assistant prosecutor Paolo Ielo involved in the process.

Why is the dismissal of Rocchi's case being discussed now?

The Milan Prosecutor's Office is at decisive times and has not yet closed the dossier, remaining divided over the request to close Rocchi's case.

What changes could occur in Rocchi's case?

Prosecutor Maurizio Ascione can decide whether or not to follow the conclusions of deputy prosecutor Paolo Ielo, which could affect the outcome of the investigation.

What will happen to the 'bussas' in the VAR room?

The 'busses' to the VAR room in Lissone will be forwarded to the Monza Public Prosecutor's Office and the collected documentation will be sent to the sports court to assess possible disciplinary infractions.

Arbitration case: Prosecutor divided over request for