Thursday, October 22, 2026 -The president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation, Vangelis Liolios, has been arrested in Greece as part of an investigation into alleged match-fixing and bribery involving basketball games across the country.
Liolios was among six people targeted by arrest warrants
issued by a Greek sports prosecutor over suspected offences linked to the
alleged manipulation of basketball matches, according to Reuters and Greek
media reports published on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The other individuals targeted reportedly include three
referees, a refereeing official and a businessman with links to the sport.
Authorities are investigating allegations that bribes were offered or received
to influence the outcomes of games.
According to Reuters, the investigation followed formal
complaints and has examined suspected illegal activities across several
divisions of Greek basketball over the past decade. Police have reportedly
searched the homes of suspects for evidence, with most of the arrest warrants
already executed.
Greek media reports also said investigators were examining
games in the country's top division and lower leagues. The inquiry is
understood to cover alleged activities extending over at least five years.
The case has sent shockwaves through Greek basketball, with
the federation confirming that its governing board held an emergency meeting to
discuss the ongoing legal proceedings. The organisation said it would continue
monitoring developments through official announcements and legal procedures.
Liolios, a physician by profession, was elected president of
the Greek Basketball Federation in 2021. He previously chaired Promitheas
Patras, a Greek professional basketball club, and founded the Coffee Island
coffee chain.
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