Greek basketball federation president and officials arrested in match-fixing scandal

On October 21, 2026, Greek authorities arrested Vangelis Liolios, the president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), alongside several other high-ranking officials, including referees Vaso Tsaroucha and Papapetrou, as well as lead official Ilias Koromilas and former athlete Giorgos Mavraganis. In total, six arrest warrants were issued following a three-month investigation by Athens sports prosecutor Apostolos Grammenos into allegations of systematic match-fixing, bribery, and sports corruption. The investigation, which centered on evidence including incriminating messages and documents, reportedly covers approximately 50 matches spanning the last decade, ranging from youth and school leagues to the top professional division.

The crackdown intensified after investigators discovered approximately 820,000 euros in cash at the home of one of the implicated referees, funds which authorities stated were unjustified. The legal proceedings were triggered by a formal complaint filed in April 2026 by the Maroussi basketball club regarding the federation's management. The case now involves multiple witnesses, including two primary whistleblowers. Following the arrests, the EOK held an emergency board meeting to address the legal developments, while the case file has been transferred to an investigative magistrate. The accused are expected to provide formal explanations to the court shortly as the investigation continues.