Match-fixing investigation in Greek basketball: federation president in custody

According to the Greek press, the Athens prosecutor's office has found evidence of match-fixing and illegal betting that also covers top-flight league games. Six people, including Hellenic Basketball Federation President Vangelis Liolios and referees, were detained. One of the detained referees, Vasiliki Tsaroucha, had previously officiated games of Turkish teams in the EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup.

Two people who allegedly took bribes asked to testify as protected witnesses in exchange for amnesty. Statements were taken from a total of 9 witnesses, but the sports prosecutor found what these two said to be especially important. 820 thousand euros of unexplained origin were found in one referee's home, and 102 thousand euros in another's.

About 50 games played between 2016 and 2026 are being examined on suspicion of match-fixing. Two of them were played in the top league. Among the games under review is a final between youth teams of Greek schools.

Panathinaikos claimed that referees were appointed by "certain people" and announced that it will take legal action. The club stated that it has continued to play in games officiated by referees who are under investigation.

Panathinaikos' former head coach Ergin Ataman had also repeatedly reacted to refereeing decisions after games against Olympiakos. In one game, Ataman pointed out that the opponent took 29 free throws while his own team could take only 5.