Witness testimony alleges referee influence in Panathinaikos-Olympiacos derby

A witness has provided testimony to prosecutors alleging improper communications between Giorgos Mavraganis and referees prior to a 2022 basketball derby between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. According to the deposition, Mavraganis sent a message stating, ‘Tomorrow is the derby, there is running to do,’ the day before the match.

The witness claimed to have knowledge that Ilios Koromilas and Mavraganis exercised control over Greek refereeing. The testimony further alleges that Mavraganis maintained close relationships with referees, specifically mentioning a close connection with referee Papapetrou.

The match in question, held at OAKA, resulted in a 62-68 victory for Olympiacos. The witness noted statistical discrepancies during the game, stating Olympiacos was awarded 18 free throws compared to 6 for Panathinaikos.