A Ukrainian basketball referee has told Greek authorities that he was allegedly offered 10,000 euros to favor Russian team UNICS Kazan in the 2021 EuroCup final series against Monaco, adding a new dimension to an ongoing investigation into suspected corruption and match-fixing in Greek pro basketball.
Mykola Ambrosov reportedly came forward voluntarily and is the third key witness in the case, according to a report by Mega Channel, who reported the development on Thursday on the Live News television program.
Ambrosov allegedly told investigators that Greek referee Ilias Koromilas, who was not part of the officiating team for the final, approached him and offered him 10,000 euros to favor Kazan.
The allegation concerns the second game of the final series in April 2021. The match was particularly significant because, in addition to deciding the EuroCup title, the series winner secured qualification for the EuroLeague.
Monaco won the second game 86-83, securing the title.
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Previous complaint to FIBA
According to reports, Ambrosov had previously approached the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to report the alleged bribery attempt. The complaint was reportedly filed away because of insufficient evidence.
Ambrosov subsequently remained absent from European competitions, according to the same reports. However, no evidence presented in the available information establishes that his absence was causally linked to the complaint.
The renewed investigation in Greece appears to have prompted him to approach the authorities again and provide further testimony.
Lampropoulos also raised questions about the motives of witnesses who have voluntarily approached investigators, noting that their decisions to speak out may be connected to earlier incidents and developments that influenced their willingness to testify.
The allegations remain under investigation and do not in themselves establish that a criminal offense was committed.
The testimony comes amid a broader investigation into alleged corruption and match-fixing in Greek basketball. A secret prosecutorial inquiry has examined suspected manipulation of games across youth, school, lower-division and top-level competitions between 2016 and 2026. Approximately 50 games, including one played abroad, were reportedly under scrutiny, with investigators examining messages and witness testimony. Nearly 800,000 euros were also reportedly found during the investigation.
The case has led to six arrest warrants, including one for Greek Basketball Federation (EOK) president Vangelis Liolios, as well as referees, over suspected active and passive bribery and match manipulation. The allegations have attracted international attention, with foreign media describing the affair as a major scandal for Greek basketball.