Greek basketball scandal involves allegations of financial monopoly

A judicial deposition has brought new allegations to light regarding the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK) and its former president, Vangelis Liolios. According to testimony from Iosif Vourakis, former president of the Piraeus Municipality's Culture, Sports and Youth Organization, a system was allegedly in place to create a financial monopoly through the awarding of sports events.

The allegations suggest that the EOK exerted pressure on local authorities to award '3on3' basketball tournaments exclusively to specific companies linked to associates Maki Giatras and Mila. While the Municipality of Piraeus could have organized similar events for approximately 7,000 to 8,000 euros, the EOK reportedly mandated contracts exceeding 35,000 euros.

Furthermore, the testimony describes retaliatory measures taken against local authorities that resisted these terms, including the use of controlled referees to influence outcomes. Amidst the ongoing scandal, Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos has commented on the situation via social media following Liolios's resignation.