By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Greek icon Panagiotis Giannakis met with the investigating judge on Monday, spending about 40 minutes offering testimony in Greece’s match-fixing and bribery case.
“I spoke about what happened to me, and most of you already know how I felt,” he explained. “I didn’t share anything further because I simply didn’t know anything more.”
The appearance follows a formal request by the 67-year-old former player and national team coach to back the prosecution.
“What I wanted to express is that this entire situation is a profound source of distress for basketball, especially for those of us who have served, and continue to serve, the sport with genuine love and active dedication. We place great faith in the justice system. It will find a way to determine the necessary steps to safeguard basketball. While it will require a monumental effort, it is an objective that can truly become a reality in the future,” added 67-year-old Giannakis.
The judicial investigation spans a decade from 2016 to 2026, probing roughly 50 suspicious games. Six suspects face charges, including Hellenic Basketball Federation former president Vangelis Liolios.
“Mr. Liolios served as the president of the Federation, and our relationship was strictly formal,” Giannakis clarified.
The Athens native also ruled out any future runs for leadership or regulatory roles within the governing body.
“Personally, I do not intend to serve in any administrative capacity,” the Dragon emphasized. “That said, I love basketball, and if anyone values my perspective, I would be more than happy to share it.”
The next elections are officially set to take place on December 20.
Giannakis, whose name came up in an earlier witness statement, had previously signaled through his lawyer that he wanted to clear the air regarding officiating targeted at him.
Meanwhile, AEK also took legal action, filing to support the prosecution and reserving the right to claim damages.
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