EXPOSED: The Secret VAR Hand Signals Rigging Serie A!

A major scandal is currently unfolding in Italian football regarding how video refereeing decisions might have been secretly influenced during matches. Gianluca Rocchi, the head referee designator for both Serie A and Serie B, is under investigation for suspected participation in sports fraud. Due to the severe nature of these allegations, Rocchi has suspended himself from his official duties. According to reports in Italy, VAR officials were allegedly influenced by external figures, including Rocchi, who used ‘coded messages’ to suggest whether to alert the referee on the pitch.

Investigators believe they have uncovered the specific physical signals used to dictate these crucial moments. According to the reports, a raised hand meant ‘do not intervene’, while a clenched fist meant ‘send the referee to monitor’. These suspicions were highlighted by a video from a match between Udinese and Parma on March 1, 2025. During a potential penalty review for Udinese, VAR official Daniele Paterna initially seemed reluctant to call the referee over to the screen. However, Paterna suddenly turned to his right, appearing to speak with someone located outside the VAR room. In the footage, Paterna asked, ‘Is that a penalty?’ before immediately telling the referee to review the incident on the monitor.

Both Rocchi and VAR supervisor Andrea Gervasoni are formally under investigation and are expected to be heard by the Milan Prosecutor on April 30. Meanwhile, the FIGC Prosecutor has denied having requested documents from authorities regarding the ongoing criminal investigation. As the investigation continues, the Italian newspaper Repubblica weighed in on the validity of the claims. “Whether these are exaggerations or even smear tactics burn out of internal feuds within the refereeing world, or instead pieces of evidence supporting the allegations, will become clear when the prosecutors reveal their findings,” the publication wrote.

Additionally, Rocchi has faced accusations of having appointed referees who were liked by Inter Milan during the 2024-25 campaign. However, no actual evidence has emerged to support this claim. Inter President Marotta has firmly insisted that the club is not involved in the scandal, and currently, no Inter representative is under investigation.