Greek basketball chief Vangelis Liolios arrested in match-fixing probe

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.