Match-fixing scandal: Greek basketball federation president Liolios arrested with five others
The president of the Greek Basketball Federation (EBE) Vangelis Liolios and five other individuals have been arrested on bribery charges related to fixed basketball matches.
Arrests over fixed matches shake Greek basketball
According to To Vima, the president of the Hellenic Basketball Confederation (EBE), Vangelis Liolios, was arrested on Tuesday 21 October 2026 on charges of bribery and receiving bribes, along with five other individuals involved in refereeing and sports administration.
Among those arrested is active referee Vasso Tsaroukha, as well as Tasos Piloidis, Petros Papavetros and Ilias Koromilas, who have retired from refereeing. Also among those arrested is Giorgos Mavraganis.
Marousi's role and the origin of the case
The case began in April 2026, when Marousi reported on the functioning of the EBE and its president. This was followed by eight further complaints of fixed matches from different quarters. Two of the witnesses examined by the sports prosecutor are considered extremely significant, as they admitted to receiving money from various parties. Judicial sources report that they will not be prosecuted because they came forward voluntarily and testified.
The judicial investigation focuses on 50 matches over a decade, from 2016 to 2026, covering all levels of championships — from school matches to the GBL. An international match is also being examined. A sum of 800,000 euros was found in the possession of one of those arrested, which cannot be justified by their regular earnings.
The message that became evidence
A message sent by Vangelis Liolios to Marousi's coach Ilias Papatheodoros during their joint tenure at Prometheas proved to be crucial evidence in the complaint. The message stated: "I don't know if it matters or not. But the refereeing trio on Saturday is B., S., Ch. I just asked and found out. But be careful. It's strictly confidential. I don't know if the referees know yet."
Papatheodoros himself, on 14 February 2026, made incendiary statements in front of an ERT camera following Marousi's survival play victory, saying: "It is a victory against those who think they can dominate us. We are not afraid of you. And if you make the kids cry, I am not afraid of you, neither I nor Marousi. We are not afraid of you. Whatever you do. The way I see you and you see me. Do you understand? You are small, you are insignificant no matter what you do. We are not afraid of you. We are not intimidated. We do not stop. Good evening to everyone."
A similar outburst occurred after the Marousi–Kardítsa 78–77 match the previous season. It is now considered clear that these statements were directed at the president of the EBE and the administration of the Federation.
Defence and expected developments
The six defendants will make their defence before the investigating magistrate at 10:00 in the morning on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Changes to the administration of the EBE and to the refereeing roster are now considered inevitable, whilst new developments in the case are expected in the immediate future.
Source: To Vima