Athens:Greek Deputy Sports Minister Giannis Vroutsis has called for new elections to the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK) by December 20 to restore public confidence amid an ongoing corruption and match-fixing investigation.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Vroutsis, speaking to Greek public broadcaster ERT's ERA Sport radio, mentioned discussions with federation representatives regarding its future and proposed a December 20 deadline for holding elections. This move follows the resignation of former federation President Vangelis Liolios, who is facing corruption and match-fixing charges.

Vroutsis addressed allegations of match manipulation in school basketball competitions, defending the system that awards university admission points for sporting achievements despite concerns raised by the investigation. He announced that state funding to the federation would remain suspended pending financial audits, with exceptions for essential expenses like salaries. However, funding for basketball clubs and activities of domestic competitions and national teams would remain unaffected.

Angelos Papanikolaou was elected as the new federation president by its board on Sunday following Liolios' resignation. Meanwhile, Liolios has denied all 49 charges against him, claiming to be a target of blackmail and an organized campaign to harm his reputation. He, along with his associate Giorgos Mavraganis, has been remanded in custody pending trial. Chief referee Ilias Koromilas has also been remanded, while referee Vasso Tsarouha and former referee Tasos Piloidis have been placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring and barred from basketball involvement.