Panagiotis Giannakis testifies in Greek basketball match-fixing scandal

Basketball legend Panagiotis Giannakis provided testimony to an investigator on November 2, 2026, regarding an ongoing probe into match-fixing within Greek basketball. Giannakis was called to testify concerning an incident from 2018, when he served as head coach of Aris Thessaloniki. During a match against Faros Larissas, referee Tasos Piloidis ejected him with two technical fouls, a decision Giannakis described as unfair and unethical during his testimony. Witness Vangelis Tsapas previously alleged that he bribed Piloidis to influence the outcome of that specific game, which ultimately led to Giannakis's termination from his coaching role.

Legal representatives for Panathinaikos BC have praised the judicial process and requested that upcoming elections for the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), scheduled for December 20, 2026, be conducted in person to ensure transparency. Margarita Thanou, counsel for Panathinaikos, stated that the investigation is still in its early stages and expects further matches to be scrutinized. Following his testimony, Giannakis confirmed he would not participate in the upcoming EOK administrative elections. Authorities continue to examine evidence as they work to uncover the full extent of the scandal affecting the sport.