Rocchi resigns from AIA to continue DAZN pundit role

AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Former Serie A and Serie B referee chief Gianluca Rocchi has resigned from the Italian Referees’ Association (AIA).

According to GianlucaDiMarzio.com, citing Calvar.it, the ex-designator submitted his resignation on Saturday. His new role as a regular pundit on DAZN is incompatible with AIA rules, which strictly limit what members can say publicly about active officials.

Rocchi had previously needed individual permission from the association for each television appearance. He made his debut on DAZN’s Sunday night show earlier this month, analysing refereeing decisions, and has chosen to continue with that role rather than remain within the AIA.

Rocchi cleared in referees’ investigation

The decision comes just weeks after Rocchi was cleared in an investigation that had threatened to rock Italian football.

He had been placed under investigation by prosecutors in Milan for alleged complicity in sporting fraud, linked to claims of interference in the VAR room at Lissone. Rocchi suspended himself from his role while the case was ongoing.

However, the criminal investigation was dropped. On October 1, the FIGC’s federal prosecutor also closed the sporting case, with the backing of CONI’s sports prosecutor general. Reports in Italy said there was no evidence of any direct contact, even by phone, between the former referee and club officials.