Gianluca Rocchi, the man responsible for appointing referees in Italy's top two football leagues, has suspended himself with immediate effect from his role.

This decision follows the initiation of a sports fraud investigation by Milan's Public Prosecutor's Office .

Andrea Gervasoni, a VAR supervisor, has also stepped aside under similar circumstances.

The probe is examining incidents from last season’s Serie A campaign. Italian media outlets have reported that Rocchi is accused of manipulating VAR protocols and selecting officials preferable to Inter Milan.

In a statement released to Italy's referees' association (AIA), Rocchi addressed his decision: "This choice, painful, difficult but shared with my family, is intended to allow the legal proceedings to run their course properly, from which I am sure I will come out unscathed and stronger than before."

Giuseppe Marotta has denied any wrongdoing on behalf of Inter Milan (Getty)

Inter Milan's president, Giuseppe Marotta, expressed astonishment at the…