Greece calls for basketball federation elections by Dec. 20 amid match-fixing probe
- Deputy sports minister seeks vote to restore public trust as state funding remains suspended; former federation chief denies 49 charges
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- Deputy sports minister seeks vote to restore public trust as state funding remains suspended; former federation chief denies 49 charges
By Halis Sunnetci
ISTANBUL (AA) - Greek Deputy Sports Minister Giannis Vroutsis on Tuesday called for fresh elections to the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK) by Dec. 20 to restore public confidence amid an ongoing corruption and match-fixing investigation.
Speaking to Greek public broadcaster ERT's ERA Sport radio, Vroutsis said he had discussed the federation's future with its representatives and proposed Dec. 20 as the deadline for holding elections.
He stressed the need to restore public trust in Greek basketball following the resignation of former federation President Vangelis Liolios, who faces corruption and match-fixing charges.
Addressing allegations of match manipulation in school basketball competitions, Vroutsis defended the system that awards university admission points for sporting achievements, arguing that it should be preserved despite concerns raised by the investigation.
On Monday, Vroutsis announced that state funding to the federation would remain suspended pending financial audits, with exceptions for certain expenses, including salaries.
He said the suspension would not affect funding for basketball clubs, while domestic competitions and national team activities would continue.
Angelos Papanikolaou was elected federation president by its board Sunday following Liolios' resignation.
- Liolios denies all 49 charges in match-fixing case
Meanwhile, Liolios denied all 49 charges against him, claiming he was the target of blackmail and an organized campaign 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.
Liolios was remanded in custody pending trial alongside his associate Giorgos Mavraganis on corruption and match-fixing charges.
Chief referee Ilias Koromilas was also remanded in custody Monday.
Referee Vasso Tsarouha and former referee Tasos Piloidis were placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring and barred from involvement in basketball.
Halis Sünnetci