By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Former Greek basketball federation president Vaggelis Liolios and former player turned businessman Giorgos Mavraganis arrived at 10.00 local time at the Evelpidon courthouse in Athens.
They have to provide their statements regarding the Greek basketball scandal to the prosecutor; however, Liolios, with a written statement, has already informed the authorities that he ceases his involvement with basketball, at least during the legal proceedings.
Both are accused of bribery and match-fixing in a case that shocked the sport all over Europe, and after this move by Liolios, a new basketball federation president must be elected or appointed.
The consensus is that a personality with an impeccable record and worldwide prestige must be the new president, sending a message of change everywhere, and Panagiotis Giannakis is widely considered the best option.
Giannakis is expected to testify in the case on Monday.
His attorney, Andreas Mitsainas, revealed on Friday that the 67-year-old former player and national team coach intends to clear the air regarding recent reports in Greece about officiating calls directed against him.
“You know that Mr. Giannakis is a legend of Greek basketball. This whole situation is a dark cloud over Greek basketball. And he will personally contribute to exposing what took place, including what was done against him,” he mentioned.
The broader judicial probe spans a ten-year window from 2016 to 2026. It involves six suspects who face charges of bribery and unfair interference across roughly 50 suspicious games.
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