Senior IOC Member Hickey Hospitalized After Arrest

After being arrested on Wednesday morning by Brazilian authorities in connection with a ticket-scalping scandal, Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) president Patrick Hickey, also a member of the executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has been taken to a hospital in what the OCI calls a “precautionary measure.”

In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, the OCI confirmed the arrest of Hickey and say that he has step aside from all of his Olympic-related functions, including with the OCI and IOC, tempoerarily.

A warrant of arrest for OCI President Pat Hickey was issued this morning by Brazilian authorities. Contrary to reports, Mr Hickey complied fully with the terms of the warrant. Mr Hickey was taken ill as this warrant was served and was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

“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 cooperate and assist with all ongoing inquiries.

Earlier in the week, as rumors of a ticket scandal involving up-charging sales of tickets earmarked for the Olympic Council of Ireland, the OCI denied that any employees or staff of the OCI were involved. On Wednesday, after Hickey’s arrest, the OCI stopped repeating that sentiment.

The European Olympic Committees, of whom Hickey was also president, confirmed that Hickey has stepped aside from his role there. EOC Vice President Janez Kocijančič will replace him. Kocijančič has been the president of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia.

The EOC can confirm that Pat Hickey is stepping aside temporarily as President of the European Olympic Committees following today’s events in Brazil.According to EOC statutes, EOC Vice President Janez Kocijančič will assume the role of acting EOC President effective immediately.

Any media seeking further information on the situation should check the Olympic Council of Ireland website for any updates.