Liolios: Denied all match-fixing charges in basketball
The former basketball federation president testified for three and a half hours, denying every charge and speaking of a conspiracy. A decision from the investigating magistrate and prosecutor is expected.
Liolios to investigating magistrate: "Conspiracy" — decision on custody awaited
Former Greek basketball federation (EOK) president Vangelis Liolios completed his testimony before the investigating magistrate, denying in their entirety the charges attributed to him in the fixed basketball matches case, according to Newsbeast.
Liolios was brought to court shortly before 10 a.m. on Sunday, along with a co-accused businessman and close associate. The two defendants face felony charges of bribery and corruption in combination with aggravating provisions of sports law.
According to the indictment, Liolios exercised complete control over matches across all categories through the appointment of specific referees. These referees — either in exchange for money or in return for continued appointments to significant matches and professional advancement — allegedly shaped the results.
The defendant categorically denied the charges against him, characterising them as a conspiracy. In a multi-page memorandum submitted to the investigating magistrate, he analysed his position and presented evidence which, as he claims, supports his assertions. He also allegedly argued that there is no evidence in the case file proving match-fixing, whilst questioning the credibility of witnesses implicating him, noting that he has reported them since 2022.
Following the completion of Liolios's testimony, the questioning moved to the co-accused businessman. The series of testimonies is expected to conclude the next day with statements from three referees.
It is recalled that on Friday evening, after a marathon investigating procedure, referee Petros Papapetrou was remanded in custody, who had also denied the charges against him.
Source: Newsbeast