Deputy Sports Minister calls for basketball federation elections by Dec. 20
Deputy Sports Minister Giannis Vroutsis on Tuesday called for elections at the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK) to be held by Dec. 20, seeking to restore public confidence amid an ongoing corruption and match-fixing investigation.
Speaking to public broadcaster ERT’s ERA Sport radio, Vroutsis said he had discussed the federation’s future with its representatives and proposed the deadline for a new vote.
He stressed the need to rebuild trust in Greek basketball following the resignation of former federation president Vangelis Liolios, who faces corruption and match-fixing charges.
State funding suspended pending audits
Vroutsis said state funding for the federation would remain suspended pending financial audits, although certain expenses, including salaries, would be exempt.
The suspension will not affect funding for basketball clubs, he said, adding that domestic competitions and national team activities would continue.
Angelos Papanikolaou was elected federation president by its board on Sunday following Liolios’ resignation.
Former president denies all charges
Liolios has denied all 49 charges against him, claiming he was the target of blackmail and an organised campaign intended to damage his personal and professional reputation, Greek daily Kathimerini reported.
“I have absolutely no involvement, let alone any role in instigating the alleged acts,” Liolios said in a written submission, according to the newspaper.
He and his associate Giorgos Mavraganis have been remanded in custody pending trial on corruption and match-fixing charges. Chief referee Ilias Koromilas was also remanded in custody on Monday.
Referee Vasso Tsarouha and former referee Tasos Piloidis were placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring and barred from involvement in basketball.
Investigation raises questions over school competitions
The investigation also involves allegations of match manipulation in school basketball competitions.
Vroutsis defended the system awarding points towards university admission for sporting achievements, arguing that it should be preserved despite concerns raised by the probe.
The proposed elections and continued suspension of state funding come as authorities investigate alleged wrongdoing in Greek basketball, placing renewed pressure on the federation to restore confidence in the sport’s governance.
