Hellenic Basketball Federation president Vangelis Liolios steps down amid investigation

On October 25, 2026, Vangelis Liolios, the president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), announced his withdrawal from all basketball-related activities. This decision was declared before an investigator on Sunday morning after he and his close associate, Giorgos Mavraganis, were brought to court following a period of temporary detention at the Attica General Police Directorate (GADA). The individuals are currently providing formal statements regarding allegations of match-fixing and bribery, with one report mentioning a sum of 150,000 euros involved in the exchange.

Liolios, through his legal representation, has categorically denied all allegations of bribery and manipulation, maintaining that there is no incriminating evidence against him. His departure from the federation aims to allow Greek basketball to function independently while the judicial process continues. The Hellenic Basketball Federation has called an emergency meeting to address the leadership transition, while public figures, such as Dimos Stasinopoulos, have proposed that Panagiotis Giannakopoulos take over the administration.

Simultaneously, the situation has intensified club rivalries, with Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos publicly criticizing the management and specifically targeting Olympiacos. The ongoing investigation remains active, and a decision on the criminal status of the accused will follow the conclusion of their testimonies.