Major arrests follow deep-seated match-fixing scandal in Greek basketball

A major match-fixing scandal, dubbed 'Basketgate,' has rocked Greek basketball, leading to significant judicial actions. On October 26, 2026, former Hellenic Basketball Federation president Vangelis Liolios and his associate Georgios Mavraganas, along with former referee Petros Papapetrou, were remanded in custody. Authorities allege that Liolios used institutional access to manipulate outcomes across various league levels through bribes and career incentives. The court deemed him a high flight risk, noting his continued influence over active referees.

Following further testimonies on Monday, October 26, chief referee Ilias Koromilas was also remanded in custody after failing to convincingly justify large cash holdings found in his possession. Meanwhile, referees Vaso Tsaroucha and Tasos Piloidis were released under house arrest with electronic monitoring and a strict prohibition from engaging in any basketball-related activities. Key whistleblower Vangelis Tsapas, who admitted to paying bribes to referees like Piloidis in the past, is cooperating with the authorities. Amidst these developments, Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos faces defamation complaints from Olympiacos over his public commentary on the scandal, while the Greek Ministry of Sports has initiated urgent meetings with federation officials to address the sport's integrity.