Rocchi accused of sports fraud in competition with members of Inter.

New allegations have emerged against Inter and referees, with new intercepts involving Gianluca Rocchi and Gabriele Gravina. Prosecutors claim there was an agreement between Rocchi and representatives of Inter, who allegedly acted under favorable relations with Gravina. The case involves four matches, including the Torino-Inter game on April 26, 2026, which has now been added to the list of investigations. The prosecutors have updated their accusations against Rocchi, alleging he fraudulently accepted interference to distort the integrity of competition. This comes after Rocchi voluntarily suspended his role as a referee assigner and was replaced by Daniele Orsato. Neither Gravina nor Inter officials are currently under investigation. According to reports, an intercepted conversation reveals a director from the Italian Arbiters Association informing Rocchi of dissatisfaction from Inter regarding the appointment of Maurizio Mariani in the Torino-Inter match. Rocchi defended his decision, claiming the designation was appropriate despite the team’s objections. The new allegations suggest that Rocchi acted in concert with Inter officials, influenced by their preferred relationship with Gravina. The prosecution claims these actions were deliberate and aimed at altering the fairness of the competition. The case includes three previously scrutinized matches, Inter-Verona on May 3, 2025; Bologna-Inter on April 20, 2025; and Inter-Milan in the Coppa Italia on April 23, 2025—and now adds the Torino-Inter match. These developments mark a shift in the scope of the inquiry, expanding its reach into more recent games. Rocchi had already faced scrutiny over alleged biased appointments during earlier matches, particularly those involving Inter. However, the current charges introduce a new dimension, suggesting a broader pattern of collusion. The prosecutors argue that the decisions made by Rocchi were not independent but rather aligned with the interests of specific clubs, notably Inter. This aligns with previous claims that certain referees were favored based on relationships within football governance structures. The situation has prompted internal changes within the refereeing body, with Rocchi stepping down from his position just days before the latest allegations surfaced. His replacement, Daniele Orsato, now oversees the assignments for upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, Gravina, who recently resigned as president of the Football Federation, remains a central figure in discussions surrounding the influence of high-level officials on referee selections. Despite this, no formal charges have yet been filed against him or any of Inter's executives. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with prosecutors preparing to take full control of the case. The involvement of former prosecutor Maurizio Ascione, now serving as a European prosecutor, signals a potential shift in how the investigation is managed. Rocchi, who initially declined to cooperate, appears willing to speak with investigators. This could represent a turning point in the case, offering new insights into the alleged coordination between referees and club officials. As the probe continues, further details are expected to emerge, potentially reshaping the understanding of how decisions in football competitions might be influenced by external pressures.