EuroLeague Basketball has suspended Greek referee Vasiliki Tsaroucha following her arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged match-fixing and illegal betting in Greek basketball.
Tsaroucha was reportedly arrested at a Greek airport on Wednesday after returning from Türkiye, where she had officiated a EuroCup game.
The suspension will remain in place until Greek authorities complete their investigation and EuroLeague Basketball concludes its own internal review.
“Referee Vasiliki Tsaroucha is suspended from officiating in all EuroLeague Basketball competitions until both the local authorities’ investigation and EuroLeague Basketball’s internal review have concluded,” the organisation said in a statement.
Investigation widens across Greek basketball
The scandal centres on allegations that basketball games in Greece’s top division and lower-level competitions may have been manipulated.
According to media reports, Greek authorities have arrested several individuals and issued additional arrest warrants as part of the investigation. Those reportedly implicated include Greek Basketball Federation president Vangelis Liolios, although the allegations remain subject to the legal process.
Investigators are examining evidence that may point to activity spanning at least five years, including witness statements, complaints and messages involving basketball officials.
The investigation has also drawn attention to the financial circumstances of individuals under scrutiny. Reports say authorities discovered €820,000 in cash inside a safe at the home of a referee in the Greek countryside.
Tsaroucha, along with fellow referees Ilias Koromilas and Petros Papapetrou, has officiated in EuroLeague games during parts of the 2018–2026 period.
The case has now progressed to an investigating judge following the filing of criminal charges.
Panathinaikos threatens legal action
The developments have prompted a strong response from Panathinaikos BC AKTOR Athens, which says it has suffered years of unfair treatment through refereeing decisions and disciplinary measures.
The club announced plans to pursue legal action, arguing that it intends to reclaim what it believes was taken from it under a system it describes as corrupt.
Panathinaikos also claimed that questionable refereeing decisions had cost the club titles and contributed to financial penalties and other sanctions.
The club’s statement framed the legal action as a defence of its history, supporters and principles, while promising further comment as the investigation develops.
The unfolding scandal has placed Greek basketball officials and refereeing under intense scrutiny, with the EuroLeague suspension marking a significant development as authorities continue examining the allegations.
Source: BasketNews, EuroLeague Basketball and Panathinaikos BC AKTOR.
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