Greek Basketball Federation President Vangelis Liolios and five other defendants were brought before judicial authorities at Athens’ Evelpidon courthouse Thursday, October 22, following their arrests in an investigation into alleged match-fixing that has expanded to approximately 50 basketball games.
The six face charges, depending on their alleged involvement, related to bribery and corruption under Greek sports legislation. They are expected to request additional time to examine the case file before providing their statements to the investigating magistrate.
Authorities reportedly discovered €102,000 in cash at the residence of a second referee Thursday, following the seizure of €820,000 from the home of former referee Petros Papapetrou in Katerini the previous day. Investigators are examining the origin of the money and whether it is connected to the alleged manipulation of basketball games.
Investigation Expands to Dozens of Games
Alongside Liolios, those arrested include businessman Giorgos Mavraganis, international referee Vaso Tsaroucha, former referees Papapetrou and Tasos Piloidis, and refereeing official Ilias Koromilas. Mavraganis surrendered to police Wednesday evening, completing the execution of six arrest warrants. Tsaroucha was arrested at Athens International Airport after returning from Turkey.
The investigation reportedly covers approximately 50 games over at least five years, including top-division contests, lower-tier competitions and youth basketball.Authorities have collected witness statements, electronic communications and financial evidence. Two witnesses reportedly acknowledged previous involvement in match manipulation and receiving payments.
Maroussi Complaints and EuroLeague Reaction
The investigation followed complaints filed in April by Maroussi Basketball Club concerning the federation’s operations and Liolios’ connections with Promitheas Patras.
Former Maroussi coach Ilias Papatheodorou had repeatedly criticized Greek basketball officiating, including after controversial games against Mykonos and Karditsa. Investigators are also examining text messages allegedly sent by Liolios to Papatheodorou during the latter’s tenure at Promitheas, including one containing confidential information about referee appointments.
Separately, Greece’s Professional Sports Committee revoked Promitheas’ operating certificate earlier this year after determining that Liolios remained substantially involved in the club’s management despite his reported withdrawal from ownership in 2020.
The case has also prompted a response from EuroLeague Basketball, which suspended Tsaroucha from officiating pending the completion of investigations by Greek authorities and its own internal review.
The Greek Basketball Federation convened an emergency board meeting Wednesday, announcing that it had been informed of the judicial proceedings and would monitor developments through its institutional bodies.
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