Sports · Basketball · 39 mins ago
Greek basketball federation chief steps aside during match-fixing probe
Vangelis Liolios is stepping aside from Greek basketball duties until a legal case against him is resolved.
The investigation concerns allegations that referees, players and club officials were offered bribes or other benefits to influence basketball games.
Authorities are examining 49 games played between 2016 and 2026, across professional, lower-level, youth and school competitions.
Prosecutors say the alleged scheme may have targeted matches that could be bet on in Greece and abroad.
Former referee Petros Papapetrou has been ordered held in custody after giving evidence, and police reportedly found 820,000 euros in cash at his home.
Papapetrou reportedly said the money came from 25 years of income, including refereeing, other work, family income and property sales.
The legal process is due to continue on Monday, when several basketball officials and referees are expected to testify.
Vangelis Liolios said he would step aside from his Greek basketball roles until a match-fixing investigation is resolved.
The investigation concerns allegations that referees, players and club officials were offered bribes or other benefits to influence basketball games.
Authorities are examining 49 matches played between 2016 and 2026 across professional, lower-level, youth and school competitions.
Prosecutors say the alleged manipulation was partly intended to affect matches that could be featured in betting markets in Greece and abroad.
Former referee Petros Papapetrou was ordered held in custody after giving testimony on Friday.
- Who
- Vangelis Liolios, head of the Greek Basketball Federation, said he would step aside. The investigation also involves referees, players and club officials.
- What
- Liolios suspended his basketball activities until the legal process is complete amid a match-fixing probe.
- When
- He announced the decision on Sunday. The investigation covers matches played from 2016 to 2026.
- Where
- Greece; prosecutors say some targeted betting markets may also be abroad.
- Why
- The probe concerns allegations of bribes or other benefits offered to influence the course or outcome of basketball matches.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The 49 matches under investigation were played during this period.
Former referee Petros Papapetrou gave testimony and was ordered held in custody.
Liolios appeared at a hearing and announced he would step aside from his Greek basketball roles until the case is resolved.
The judicial process was expected to continue, with several referees and officials scheduled to testify.
- Person
- Vangelis Liolios
- Matches under review
- 49
- Period covered
- 2016–2026
- Former referee
- Petros Papapetrou
- Cash reportedly found
- €820,000
What people are saying
I am stepping aside from my position so that basketball can continue to function