Panagiotis Giannakis arrived shortly after 11:00 a.m. at Evelpidon Street to testify before the investigator regarding the match-fixing scandal in Greek basketball. Despite the presence of a large crowd of media representatives, “The Dragon” made no statements upon his arrival but is expected to speak after the proceedings are concluded.
The sports legend wished to testify on behalf of the prosecution, as his name is included in the case file due to an incident that occurred in 2018, when he was the coach of Aris. Specifically, he had been ejected after receiving a second technical foul during a match between the Thessaloniki team and Faros Larissa. “The Dragon’s” testimony aims to assist in the investigation of the case and to provide the information he possesses.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Witness Vangelis Tsapas testified that he had bribed referee Tasos Piloidis so that his team, Faros Keratsiniou, could defeat Aris. The referee, who until recently was a member of the Central Refereeing Committee (KED), according to the witness, had sent off Giannakis—who was then the coach of Aris—as a “favor.” In fact, following the Thessaloniki team’s defeat in that game, “The Dragon” was fired by Aris.
It will be interesting to hear Panagiotis Giannakis’s stance on whether he intends to get involved in the future of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), either as a candidate in the December 20 elections, or as the head of a “unifying” administration during this difficult period for Greek basketball.
It should be noted that Vangelis Liolios, Petros Papapetrou, Giorgos Mavraghanis, and Ilias Koromilas have been remanded in custody in connection with the case. Vasiliki Tsaroucha and Tasos Piloidis have been placed under house arrest with an electronic ankle monitor and are prohibited from engaging in basketball activities.
*photo source: KYPE
