Despite the director of communications for the Olympic committee stating in a press release that everyone should be considered innocent until proven guilty, the decision of the Irish man to step down from several of his highly ranked post, signals some implied admission of guilt.
INVESTIGATION
Police in Brazil investigating illegal Olympic ticket sales have arrested of the head of the European Olympic Committees, Irishman Patrick Hickey, for illegal ticket sales tells an uncomfortable story.Hickley was arrested in the Barra Da Tijjuca area of the city, and was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, where he underwent cardiac tests to keep his health in check given the potential impact, shock and fear arising from his circumstances could have on the health of the 71 year old Irish man.
Hickley’s arrest is the biggest move by police investigating the illegal sales of Olympic tickets on the black market.
The Irishman’s passport and Olympic I.D were seized by police and paraded to the press.
DISHONOURABLE
Those in the top positions are not always honorable, and those among them who are not honorable, do not deserve such high posts.
Mr Hickey, 71, is suspected of being involved in a scheme to sell tickets for higher than their face value.
Suspicion about Hickey’s guilt was heightened when Brazillian police found the wife of the Irish man in his hotel, and she tried to deceive Brazilian police by telling them he had left Rio Janeiro
However, as police liaised with hotel management in conducting a thorough search they found Mr Hickey in the room next door.
Police said the arrest was related to another arrest of fellow Irishman Kevin James Mallon on the day of the Olympic opening ceremony. Mallon, a director of THG Sports, which specialises in corporate and sports hospitality has been in custody in Brazil since August 5 over the allegations.
STEPPED DOWN
The OCI also confirmed that Mr. Hickley has stepped down temporarily from his 28 years top job. He also stepped down from his post as International Olympic Committee member in Ireland, president of the Olympic Committees, and Vice president of the Association of National Olympic Committees.
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SHARE
The OCI revealed he had stood down temporarily from the top sports job he has held for 28 years.
The organisation said: “In light of this morning’s developments and his ill health, Mr Hickey has taken the decision to step aside temporarily as president of the OCI and all other Olympic functions (IOC member in Ireland, EOC president, ANOC vice president) until this matter is fully resolved.
“Mr Hickey will of course continue to co-operate and assist with all ongoing inquiries.”
COOPERATE
Mark Adams, International Olympic Committee director of communications, said the organisation would co-operate fully with police.
“What I can tell you is that it involves 1,000 tickets of the six million tickets (for the games),” he said.
“We have full confidence in the system here and we believe here, as with everywhere, that everyone is innocent until any guilt can be proved or, in fact, any charges have been brought.”
The investigation centres on the sale of more than 800 tickets to the Games, including more than 20 which police said were intended for use by Ireland’s Olympics officials.
ESTIMATED FRAUD
Police estimate the alleged fraudulent scheme at 10m reals (£2.4m; $3.1m), a disgraceful level of corruption by a man in charge of the Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it would co-operate with any police investigation.
Irish broadcaster RTE reports that Mr Hickey faces three potential charges: facilitating ticket touting, forming a cartel, and “ambush” or illicit marketing.
In an interview with RTE last week, Mr Hickey denied any wrongdoing in relation to ticket sales.
Irish broadcaster RTE reported that Mr Hickey faces three potential charges: facilitating ticket touting, forming a cartel, and “ambush” or illicit marketing.
In an interview with RTE last week, Mr Hickey denied any wrongdoing in relation to ticket sales.
Mr Hickey is the president of the European Olympic Committees- the body which gathers the continent’s 50 national Olympic committees together.
