Yiannis Vroutsis commented on recent developments in the world of basketball.
Speaking on a morning show on ERT, Greece’s Minister of Sports referred to events that are poisoning sports in general—not just basketball—and pointed out that the authorities’ responseauthorities had been swift and demonstrated a sense of urgency from the moment the first evidence emerged.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Finally, regarding the future of basketball and the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), after stating that he respects their autonomy, he will strive to… set the course so that the “next day” and aligned with transparency.
“As Minister of Sports, I must provide some guidance and answers in light of the ongoing events. We are in the midst of legal proceedings involving serious charges. As far as the legal aspect is concerned, the presumption of innocence applies. However, there is also a second aspect. Greek sports are flourishing. We see it everywhere—among children, everywhere. Unfortunately, these events around us, in the world of basketball, are poisoning sports and creating a wound that we, as the Ministry of Sports, must heal. All of this is unfolding, but there is also an institutional umbrella known as the Ministry of Sports and the State,” Mr. Vroutsis stated at the outset, adding regarding the State’s response…
“We must say that as far as the government’s response is concerned, it was impeccable. When we received the complaints in April 2026, they were immediately forwarded from my office—one to the EEA and the other to the General Secretariat of Sports. Both did their jobs. Although the EEA has faced lawsuits from Mr. Liolios and we have been subjected to toxic media coverage, it responded, issued a finding, fined Prometheus, and ruled against Mr. Liolios. This is outside the scope of the case file and concerns matters that have been made public. These facts are well known; I am not getting involved. The fact is that Mr. Liolios is the actual owner of Prometheus.
The first complaint came from Marousi in 2026. The Ministry of Sports does not act as a prosecutor; it operates based on evidence. As soon as we received this evidence, we took action. EPATHA immediately forwarded the complaints to the prosecutor. What we’re seeing now is a response from the government. We must now heal the wounds and move forward. Until Monday, when the decisions will be announced, we have taken additional measures. We have requested a financial audit of the EOK’s finances through the Ministry of Finance. Second, I have asked the Transparency Authority Commission to conduct its own audit, and third, I have frozen funding to the EOK, but not to the clubs. The 773 clubs we are aware of will receive their funds as usual, but the EOK will not. The state cannot provide subsidies when all these issues are evident.”
Finally, Yiannis Vroutsis addressed the “future” of Greek basketball and the federation’s new administration, which must clearly be committed to the reform of the sport.
“Starting Tuesday, I will be making efforts to guide the Hellenic Basketball Federation’s Board of Directors. Not to impose my will, because it is a self-governing body. However, I can suggest where we can go to achieve reform.”
*photo source: KYPE
