Basketball scandal: Vangelis Liolios arrested along with four others, one more person wanted
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Developments in Greek basketball are moving rapidly, as Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK) president Vangelis Liolios and referees from Greek basketball have been arrested. Six arrest warrants have so far been issued following a six-month investigation into alleged bribery and accepting bribes.
- 21 Οκτωβρίου 2026 18:36
An arrest warrant for EOK president Vangelis Liolios was issued on Wednesday (21/10) in connection with an investigation by the sports prosecutor into complaints concerning events in Greek basketball.
Liolios was arrested shortly afterwards, along with four other people implicated in the case. A close associate of Mr Liolios is now being sought, while one referee was arrested at the airport.
A total of six arrest warrants have been issued.
The warrants concern:
- Vangelis Liolios: President of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK).
- Vaso Tsaroucha: International referee.
- Petros Papapetrou: Former referee who retired last summer.
- Tasos Piloidis: Former referee and member of the Central Refereeing Committee (KED).
- Ilias Koromilas: Former referee.
- Giorgos Mavraganis: Businessman.
Some of those accused remain active in the sport and, according to the reasoning behind the warrants, there is therefore a possibility that they could commit further offences. This was reportedly the main reason for the execution of the arrest warrants.
The criminal charges, depending on the individual case, concern bribery and the acceptance of bribes under sports legislation. Competent sources say the case file relates to alleged match-fixing involving games in the top division and other categories over at least the past five years.
The case file reportedly includes complaints made by sports officials, while large sums of money were allegedly found during searches of homes. These amounts could not be accounted for and were said to be inconsistent with the financial profiles of those concerned.
The case file has been forwarded to an investigating magistrate, who issued the arrest warrants with the agreement of the sports prosecutor. Those arrested could be brought before the magistrate as early as tomorrow.
