Panathinaikos president calls for change amid Greek basketball investigation

By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net

Panathinaikos president Vassilis Parthenopoulos has called for meaningful reform in Greek basketball following the arrests of federation president Vangelis Liolios and other individuals in an investigation into alleged bribery and match-fixing.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Parthenopoulos said the priority for Panathinaikos extends beyond recognition of the concerns the club has voiced over the years.

“After years of legal appeals, public statements and interventions, as well as sanctions we have faced, recent developments have underscored the seriousness of the concerns we have repeatedly raised. However, moral vindication has never been an end in itself. What truly matters is protecting Greek basketball and restoring its credibility.”

He also outlined the club’s intention to take part in the proceedings, stressing that establishing the facts must come through the investigation.

“We have full confidence in the judicial process. We will participate in the proceedings in support of the prosecution and await the conclusion of the investigation, so that the facts can be established and responsibilities assigned where appropriate.”

For Parthenopoulos, the case also raises questions about how earlier complaints were handled and whether a more thorough response could have prevented the situation from reaching this point.

“A timely and thorough assessment of the concerns and complaints raised in the past could potentially have helped prevent the current situation.”

Looking beyond the investigation, the Panathinaikos president urged those involved in the sport to focus on rebuilding trust.

“Greek basketball deserves to move forward through meaningful change, credibility, unity and an unwavering commitment to legality and the principles of sporting integrity.”