Top Irish Olympic official arrested in Rio over ticket touting allegations

The head of the Olympic Council of Ireland has been arrested over ticket touting at the Rio games. Patrick Hickey is accused of plotting with at least six others to illegally sell tickets for the Olympics, police in Brazil say. It is understood Mr Hickey was arrested in a hotel in the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood. There were unconfirmed reports that the 71-year-old was taken to hospital after complaining of feeling unwell.

We are aware of a case and stand ready to provide consular assistance if requested.

Irish department of foreign affairs in Dublin

Mr Hickey has been part of the IOC executive board since 2012 and is president of the Olympic Council of Ireland. He is also president of the European Olympic Committees. His arrest comes after agents seized more than 1,000 tickets that were being sold for high fees and allocated to the Olympic Council of Ireland. Kevin Mallon, a director of THG Sports, which specialises in corporate and sports hospitality, has been in custody in Brazil since 5 August.

We are still trying to get some clarity on the situation

Olympic Committee of Ireland

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