Referee Ilias Koromilas denies bribery allegations in basketball scandal

Basketball referee Ilias Koromilas has appeared before judicial authorities to deny charges of nine counts of bribery. The allegations suggest attempts to influence matches to benefit teams such as Promitheas Patras and others.

Koromilas maintains that his financial transactions are legitimate, claiming he received a total of 263,000 euros in compensation from his international refereeing career. He stated that 102,000 euros found at his home during a police search were part of these funds, which were subsequently withdrawn due to personal matters involving a close relative. His accountant testified as a defense witness to provide accounting documents regarding the origin of these funds.

Regarding allegations from a Ukrainian referee claiming Koromilas offered 10,000 euros to influence the 2021 EuroCup final in favor of Unics Kazan, the defense stated that the matter had previously been investigated and archived by Greek authorities. Koromilas' lawyer, Apostolos Lytras, argued that the case lacks evidentiary support, noting the absence of messages or other corroborating material.