84 People to Stand Trial for ("Koriopolis")Greek Football Match Fixing Allegations

The Court of Appeals Council in Greece announced on Wednesday that 84 people will be tried for crimes connected to Greek football match fixing.

Investigations into match fixing in Greece began after UEFA had published a report that found 41 games of the 2009-2010 season were potentially fixed. Although allegations against specific individuals had been previously made, the scale of match fixing became evident in June 2011 when Greek authorities began charging various people connected to the game.

158 individuals had been charged during a four-year investigation. The 85 whom the Council decided will stand trial are being charged with a variety of crimes including participation in a criminal organization, bribery and illegal betting, among others. Those charged include coaches, football players, businessmen and other individuals connected to Greek football.

All criminal charges against Olympiacos F.C. president Evangelos Marinakis have been dropped.

Volos mayor Achilleas Mpeos, who was also the owner of Olympiacos Volou F.C., is one of the 85 people who will take the stand. The Council has asked for a separate investigation into Mpeos’ money laundering activities.

Some of the accused individuals were relieved of certain charges but will still stand trial for others.