The Milan prosecutor's office has confirmed that no Inter Milan officials or players are under investigation as part of a probe into alleged sports fraud within Italian football's refereeing sector. According to reports from Italian media, the investigation, which began in late 2024, currently focuses exclusively on figures within the Italian Referees Association (AIA). The key figure named is the association's head of referees, Gianluca Rocchi, along with another AIA official, Marco Gervasoni, with several other unnamed individuals also reportedly under scrutiny.
The inquiry centers on accusations that Rocchi selected referees favorable to Inter Milan for specific matches, constituting an alleged sporting fraud. However, judicial sources have clarified that the suspects are currently restricted to the refereeing world, with no club executives or footballers implicated. The investigation is understood to be examining five specific matches from previous seasons: three Serie A fixtures (Udinese-Parma, Inter-Verona, and Bologna-Inter), one Coppa Italia match (Inter-Milan), and one Serie B game (Salernitana-Modena). Authorities have stated the probe does not involve any matches from the ongoing 2025-2026 league campaign.
This development follows two days of intense speculation and debate in the Italian sports press, which had raised questions about potential involvement from the reigning Serie A champions. The confirmation that the investigation's scope is limited to the AIA provides significant, albeit preliminary, clarity for Inter Milan as they navigate the final stages of the season. The 18-month investigation period is due to expire soon, at which point court documents and any intercepted communications could become public.
The situation places the Italian Referees Association under severe scrutiny, challenging the integrity of its appointment system. Rocchi, a former international referee, has been a central and controversial figure in Italian football since taking over the key designator role. The allegations, if proven, would represent a serious breach of sporting ethics and could lead to significant reforms in how officials are assigned to matches in Italy's top divisions.
For Inter Milan, the immediate sporting impact appears minimal, with no sanctions suggested against the club at this stage. The club has not issued an official statement following the latest reports. The focus now shifts to the judicial process, as prosecutors work towards a potential indictment before the investigation's deadline. The outcome could have long-lasting implications for the governance of Italian football, regardless of the current non-involvement of clubs.
