Greek basketball federation president and others arrested in match-fixing probe

On October 22, 2026, the president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), Vangelis Liolios, was brought before a Greek investigator along with five other individuals following their arrests for alleged involvement in a massive match-fixing scandal. The group, which includes referees Vasso Tsaroucha, Petros Papapetrou, and Anastasios Piloidis, head referee Ilias Koromilas, and businessman Giorgos Mavraganis, faces charges of bribery and corruption related to sports legislation. The investigation, launched by a sports prosecutor, covers approximately 50 matches over the past five years, ranging from school and youth championships to the top-tier GBL.

The inquiry gained momentum after a school championship semifinal held in Paphos, Cyprus, last March, where suspicious officiating, including 52 free throws awarded to one team, drew scrutiny. During searches, authorities reportedly seized 820,000 euros in cash from the residence of one suspect and an additional 102,000 euros from another. Following their appearance at the Evelpidon court complex, the six suspects were granted extensions to prepare their formal apologies. Testimonies are scheduled to begin on October 23, with the president and his associate set to testify on October 25, followed by the remaining defendants on October 26.