Hellenic Basketball Federation president resigns amid match-fixing investigation
Liolios has denied the charges against him, and his defence team has argued that there is no solid evidence linking him to match fixing, describing the case as a conspiracy.
Hellenic Basketball Federation president Vangelis Liolios has resigned following an investigation into alleged match-fixing in Greek basketball. Liolios appeared before a magistrate on Sunday in connection with the probe, which focuses on claims that games linked to betting markets were manipulated.
The investigation examines 49 matches played between 2016 and 2026, involving games from professional and lower national divisions to youth and school championships. Authorities allege that bribery and the offering of benefits to referees, players, and club officials were used to influence the outcomes of these matches.
Liolios has denied the charges against him, with his defence team arguing that there is no solid evidence linking him to match fixing. They describe the case as a conspiracy. Prosecutors say that the alleged offences were aimed at manipulating matches that could feature in betting markets in Greece and abroad.
One significant development in the case was the decision to remand former referee Petros Papapetrou in custody following his deposition on Friday. Police reportedly found €820,000 in cash at his home, which he claimed came from income accumulated over 25 years. Papapetrou's lawyer disputed the allegations and announced a plan to appeal the decision to remand his client in custody.
The EOK board held an emergency meeting following the latest developments, emphasizing its commitment to ensure the smooth operation of all leagues and competitions. The board is meeting continuously, twice a day, to assess developments in the case.
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