Greek basketball has been plunged into one of the most serious corruption scandals in its history, with the president of the country’s basketball federation and five other prominent figures arrested as part of an extensive investigation into alleged match-fixing and bribery.
Vangelis Liolios, president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), was arrested on Wednesday, following an investigation led by Athens sports prosecutor Apostolos Grammenos. Authorities issued six arrest warrants targeting federation officials, current and former referees, and a businessman with connections to the sport.
Among those implicated are international referee Vasiliki Tsaroucha, former referees Petros Papapetrou and Anastasios Piloidis, senior refereeing official Ilias Koromilas, and businessman and former basketball player Giorgos Mavraganis.
The allegations extend far beyond isolated incidents. According to Greek media reports, investigators are examining approximately 50 basketball games played between 2016 and 2026, covering competitions ranging from Greece’s top professional division to lower leagues, youth tournaments and even school basketball.
The investigation reportedly centers on allegations that officials and referees accepted or offered bribes to influence the outcomes of games. Prosecutors are examining witness testimonies, complaints and electronic communications that allegedly contain evidence of coordinated match manipulation.
Perhaps the most startling discovery came during police searches of properties connected to the investigation. Authorities reportedly uncovered approximately €820,000 in cash at the home of a former referee in Katerini, with investigators questioning whether the money could be explained by legitimate income. Another €10,000 was reportedly discovered at a separate property.
The investigation gained momentum following a complaint submitted by Greek basketball club Maroussi in April concerning the federation’s operations and its leadership. Additional testimony from witnesses subsequently expanded the case, with two individuals reportedly providing firsthand accounts of alleged match manipulation.
The scandal has already reached the European basketball stage. EuroLeague Basketball suspended referee Vasiliki Tsaroucha from officiating its competitions pending the conclusion of investigations by Greek authorities and the organization itself.
Meanwhile, the Greek Basketball Federation held an emergency board meeting on Wednesday, acknowledging the ongoing legal proceedings and announcing that it would continue monitoring developments through official channels.
All six defendants were expected to appear before an investigating magistrate in Athens on Thursday, October 22, to address the allegations. The charges concern suspected bribery and acceptance of bribes under Greek sports legislation, although the precise accusations vary between individuals.
