Rocchi resigns from AIA to continue DAZN pundit role

Rocchi resigns from AIA to continue DAZN pundit role 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. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Referee Gianluca Rocchi reacts during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona at Old Trafford on April 10, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) 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. FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 23: Gianluca Rocchi former Italian referee and referee designator for the Serie A and Serie B championships during the FIGC Hall of Fame Event on May 23, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) 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.