18/08/2016

Irish Olympic Official Temporarily Stands Down

A senior member of the International Olympic Committee, Pat Hickey, has temporarily stood down from his role following his arrest earlier this week.

Mr Hickey, 71, was arrested in Rio over allegations of illegal ticket sales at this year's Games.

Following his arrest, he was taken to hospital after falling ill.

Police in Brazil claim the official was involved in a scheme to resell Olympic tickets at a higher price than face value.

It is understood Mr Hickey will be replaced as president of the European Olympic Committees by his deputy, Janez Kocijancic.

In a statement, the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) said Mr Hickey was stepping aside "until this matter is fully resolved" and that they would continue to co-operate and assist with all inquiries.

William O'Brien, Acting OCI President, is also quoted as saying the council would "defend ourselves to the hilt" following Hickey's arrest.

Mr Hickey has been a member of the 15-strong executive board of the International Olympic Committee since 2012.

(JP/MH)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

01 March 2024
New 'Make it Local' Campaign Launched In Newry, Mourne and Down
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Department for Communities has launched a new 'Make It Local' public relations and advertising campaign, to urge residents to buy from and celebrate their local and independent businesses.
23 January 2024
CC Advice For Travellers Impacted By Storm Isha
The Consumer Council has issued advice for travellers whose arrangements where impacted by Storm Isha, urging them to find out what they are entitled to.
12 March 2024
NI Households Left With Less Than £32 Per Week After Essentials
Discretionary income has fallen by over half since 2021 for Northern Ireland's lowest earning households, leaving them with only £31.31 per week on average, according to the Consumer Council.
25 April 2024
BCC Welcomes Conviction Of Belfast Man For Dog Attack
Belfast City Council (BCC) has welcomed the conviction of a man at Belfast Magistrates Court for an offence involving a dog attack on a woman. BCC brought the prosecution against 43-year-old Stuart Grace, of Forthriver Crescent, Belfast, following a report that Mr Grace’s German Shepherd dog had attacked a woman, injuring her arm and back.
25 April 2024
Residents Urged To Offer Ideas For City Creative Project
Belfast residents are being invited to put forward their own ideas for creative projects in their communities, as part of Belfast City Council's Belfast 2024 programme.