Vangelis Lioliou, President of the Greek Basketball Federation, was interrogated on Thursday as part of an investigation into match-fixing that dates back to about a decade ago. Lioliou was arrested on Wednesday under an arrest warrant issued by a prosecutor specializing in sports affairs against six suspects, including former referees.
For his part, Vasiliki Tsarouxa, a EuroLeague referee, was arrested on Wednesday at Athens airport. Among those detained is Vasiliki Tsarouxa, a EuroLeague referee who is considered the most prominent referee in Greece, who was also arrested on Wednesday at Athens airport. The suspects appeared before the judge on Thursday and will remain in police custody until they give their statements.
The defendants face penalties of up to 10 years in prison if convicted of offenses, while all deny involvement in the case. The EuroLeague announced in a press statement the suspension of Tsarouxa, confirming that it would conduct its own internal review. The statement added: "Referee Vasiliki Tsarouxa has been suspended from officiating matches in all basketball competitions under the EuroLeague, pending the conclusion of the investigation by local authorities and the internal review conducted by the association."
The investigation began following an official complaint filed last April by the Maroussi team, based in Athens, whose coach had previously worked for Lioliou. The official Greek Radio and Television (ERT) reported that eight witnesses have given statements in the case, including two individuals alleged to have admitted to receiving money in exchange for overlooking violations. The Kathimerini newspaper quoted a text message allegedly sent by one referee, which read: "Who should I take out with personal fouls?"
Police announced on Thursday the discovery of cash amounts exceeding 930,000 euros, equivalent to $1.04 million, during searches of homes. The Greek Basketball Federation announced on Wednesday that its board held an emergency meeting to inform members of the ongoing legal proceedings. The Hellenic News Agency reported that the investigation covers approximately 50 matches in the First Division and lower competitions, extending to youth and school championships, and dates back to 2016.
Lioliou was elected president of the Federation in 2021, after previously serving as president of Promitheas Patras, which achieved consecutive promotions from 2012 up to the First Division in 2016. Under Lioliou's tenure, the Greek national team won the bronze medal at the European Basketball Championship last year, securing its first medal since 2009. Prominent Greek clubs are holding discussions with the National Basketball Association (NBA) regarding the creation of a new European league.
Source: Arriyadiyah newspaper
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