Allegations of ghost athlete registration involving Deputy Minister Lazaros Tsavdaridis

On November 11, 2026, allegations emerged regarding the purported fictitious participation of the 17-year-old daughter of Greek Deputy Minister of Development Lazaros Tsavdaridis in a North Greek handball club. Parents of other athletes and the team’s coach claimed that the student was registered as an active member to secure extra academic points for the national university entrance examinations (Panhellenic Exams). The minister has categorically denied these claims, stating his daughter did not use any athletic points to enter university, having secured her place at the Agricultural University of Larissa through regular examination scores. He further noted that she currently studies in Cyprus and announced plans to pursue legal action against those spreading what he characterizes as slander.

The Hellenic Handball Federation (OXE) issued an official response, confirming that the athlete held a legally issued sports license and was physically present on the team bench during designated matches. The Federation emphasized that it lacks the authority to interfere in internal team management or coaching decisions, such as athlete rotation or playing time, provided the legal requirements are met. While acknowledging that these circumstances may raise moral concerns, the Federation maintains that no formal sports regulations were violated in this case.