By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
A bombshell has hit Greek basketball following the arrest of the president of the Greek Basketball Federation, Vaggelis Liolios, and five other individuals, including active – until yesterday – EuroLeague referee Vasiliki Tsaroucha.
The investigation began last April, when a complaint for Marousi BC reached the prosecutor’s office; however, according to sources close to the investigation, two whistleblowers proved to be the key.
Two individuals who had also received bribes appeared before the Greek authorities and asked to testify in exchange for full amnesty as protected witnesses.
In total, nine witnesses have been examined; still, the accounts of those two persons were deemed particularly significant by the sports prosecutor. On top of that, a total of 820.000 euros were reportedly found in the house of one of the arrested individuals, which can’t be justified.
In total, around 50 games are considered suspect to have been “fixed”, but so far it’s reported that only two of them are top division matches. Among the games, one is a final held in Cyprus between the junior teams of Greek schools.
The six persons arrested will testify tomorrow before the criminal investigator, who will decide on the possible charges or their release if there’s no sufficient evidence for a case against them. According to Greek law, the criminal investigator may even order the detention of the suspects until their trial.
If Vaggelis Liolios is officially charged, then the Greek Basketball Federation must replace him within the next 15 days by decision of the federation board. If that doesn’t happen, then the sports minister must intervene, the whole board will be dismissed, and there will be new elections.
The Sports Ministry Reaction
Greek sports minister Giannis Vroutsis has made the following statement on the case: “We are deeply saddened and concerned by the allegations currently under investigation, which reportedly involve individuals holding institutional roles within the administration and officiating bodies of the Basketball Federation.
The matter is now in the hands of the judicial authorities, in whom we have absolute confidence. It is incumbent upon all of us to respect the investigative process—which, as is well known, is confidential—and to await its findings.
It is important to note, however, that this investigation was initiated following the submission of evidence to the public prosecutor on April 21, 2026, by the National Platform for Sports Integrity (EPATHLA)—a mechanism established by the Ministry of Sports to combat match-fixing.
This demonstrates, in practical terms, that institutional oversight mechanisms are functioning, and that the State possesses both the tools and the resolve to identify matters requiring investigation and to refer them to the appropriate authorities.
Sport must inspire trust, operate with transparency, and be governed by the principle of equality before the law. Rules apply to everyone, without exception; ensuring this is the responsibility of the State.”
Liolios statements on referees
In a two-hour live interview with six selected media, which also included Eurohoops, Liolios was asked about the case, and he dismissed every allegation: “The issue of refereeing is being stirred up by those who want to control it—the very people I cut off. When you put an end to certain things, it’s not easy for someone to accept it. Usually, the person hurling insults is the one who is losing their perks.”
Liolios was elected in 2021 for the first time and reelected again in 2026. The investigation into bribery and match-fixing includes the period between 2016 and 2026.
Make 
Your Preferred Basketball Source.
Add Eurohoops to Google