Greek Basketball Federation leadership changes amid match-fixing scandal

Greek Basketball Federation EOK match-fixing scandal Vangelis Liolios Greek basketball corruption

The Greek Basketball Federation (EOK) is undergoing a major leadership transition following a massive corruption scandal involving allegations of match-fixing and bribery. Vangelis Liolios has resigned from his position as president and has been ordered into temporary custody alongside his close associate, businessman Giorgos Mavraganis. They join former referee Petros Papapetrou, who was also placed in custody, as part of a judicial investigation into the manipulation of approximately 49 to 50 matches.

The investigation, which covers the period from June 2016 to March 2026, spans various levels of competition, including top national leagues and school championships. Authorities are examining evidence related to bribery, including alleged cash payments and the use of luxury services to influence referee appointments. During searches, officials seized nearly 931,463 euros in cash, along with electronic devices.

Following Liolios's resignation, Angelos Papanikolaou has been elected as the new president of the EOK. The new administration has pledged to prioritize institutional stability, support national teams, and implement reforms in refereeing. Meanwhile, the Greek Ministry of Sports has suspended state funding to the Federation pending the results of ongoing administrative audits.

Entities

Angelos Papanikolaou · Athens · Athens Court of First Instance · EOK · Evangelos Liolios · George Mavraganis · Giannis Voutsis · Giannis Vroutsis · Giorgos Mavraganis · Greece · Greek Ministry of Sports · Hellenic Basketball Federation

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] An arrest warrant for Vangelis Liolios contains allegations of bribing referees.
[● 3 SOURCES] KAE Maroussi is calling for the removal of Christos Milas from the ESAKE Board of Directors.
[● 3 SOURCES] The alleged scheme aimed to influence the Promitheas Patras vs. AEK game on November 16, 2024.
[● 2 SOURCES] KAE Maroussi argues that Promitheas Patras cannot continue in the championship.
[● 3 SOURCES] KAE Maroussi intends to file lawsuits against Christos Milas and Athanasios Souflias.
[● 3 SOURCES] The alleged bribery involved promises of money and professional promotions for referees.
[● 3 SOURCES] Promitheas Patras won the disputed match with a score of 84-76.
[● 3 SOURCES] KAE Maroussi seeks to ban Athanasios Souflias from Stoiximan GBL sporting venues.
[● 8 SOURCES] A witness testified that Papapetrou used the nickname ‘Grammarios’ in the basketball community. starsports.gr
[● 12 SOURCES] Evangelos Liolios, president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation, is scheduled to testify. starsports.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] Papapetrou's lawyer, Orestis Georgiadis, described the indictment as ‘vague’. www.kalavrytanews.com
[DISPUTED] 820,000 euros in cash were found at Papapetrou's home in Katerini. www.kalavrytanews.com · starsports.gr · www.e-radio.gr