According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, with the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office archiving the criminal investigation into Italian referees, former Serie A and Serie B referee designator Gianluca Rocchi has been relieved of his precautionary suspension and is expected to return to work in the refereeing system.

Francesco Massini, interim vice president of the Italian Referees Association (AIA), spoke about Rocchi: "First of all, I want to thank him for his work as referee designator for the past five years. We never doubted his integrity. His precautionary suspension has been lifted, so..."

Previously, Rocchi resigned from his position as Serie A and Serie B referee designator after the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into the refereeing world. Subsequently, the position was temporarily taken over by Dino Tommasi and is now held by Daniele Orsato.

Andrea Gervasoni, the former VAR manager, also resigned with Rocchi. Both were subject to precautionary measures after the relevant events, and with the criminal investigation archived, Rocchi's suspension has now been lifted. However, the results of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) prosecutor's investigation are still awaited to determine whether further investigations will be launched at the sports disciplinary level.

As for what specific role Rocchi will take on after his return, the most likely option at present is that of an observer. The report states that Rocchi himself also prefers work with less managerial responsibilities and closer to the pitch, so it is almost certain that he will re-enter the refereeing system in some form.

One possible solution is for Rocchi to serve as a referee observer for UEFA and FIFA in Italy, with his scope of responsibilities potentially expanding further in the future.

Meanwhile, the Italian Referees Association is also preparing for a new presidential election. Previously, Antonio Zappi resigned as AIA president after the Federal Court of Appeal of the Italian Football Federation upheld his 13-month ban, leaving the presidential position vacant.

The AIA presidential election is scheduled for October 10, and candidates have not yet been officially announced. Massini and another vice president, Michele Affinito, are both expected to be strong contenders, but more than two candidates are anticipated to run.

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com