Greek police arrest 58-year-old weightlifting coach accused of doping athletes, including his son

The arrest

Police arrested a 58-year-old weightlifting coach in Attica on Thursday, 12 November 2026, over the supply and administration of banned doping substances to athletes. The arrest followed a months-long investigation by the economic crimes unit of the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, carried out with the Greek Anti-Doping Organisation (EOKAN) and the National Medicines Organisation (EOF). The man is accused of breaching the laws on sport and harmful medicines. After his arrest he was taken to the competent prosecuting authority.

Alleged supply since April 2024

Investigators found that the coach had been procuring and giving banned substances to athletes since April 2024. One case stands out in the file: during a competition he allegedly gave a banned substance to his minor son, who also competes in the sport. A urine sample from the boy showed oxandrolone, a substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. Earlier sanctions had been imposed on both of them, a 12-year ban for the coach and a 10-month ban for the athlete, according to one report.

Items seized and what remains open

Searches of a house and sports facilities in Attica turned up 871 pieces of pharmaceutical products and doping substances, mostly tablets and ampoules. Officers also seized 17 athlete cards, handwritten notes, a telephone device and 15,000 euros in cash.

Pharmaceutical products and doping substances (pieces)871

Athlete cards17

Pharmaceutical products and doping substances (pieces)

871

Athlete cards

17

Data from the article text

The EOF says the seized products are not approved for sale in Greece and are harmful to users' health. The reports do not say when the coach will appear before a court or which formal charges may follow from the accusation.