THE HEAD OF the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) Pat Hickey was arrested today, facing three charges related to the sale of tickets to the Olympics in Rio.
However, this arrest is the culmination of over a week of accusations and investigations.
Here’s how the week has played out:
Sunday, 7 August: Reports emerge that an Irish man has been arrested in Rio on suspicion of ticket touting.
Monday, 8 August: The man is named as Kevin Mallon, a director at British firm THG. It is revealed that many of the tickets he was in possession of were issued by the Olympic Council of Ireland. The OCI claims no knowledge of the men involved and says it is investigating.
Thursday, 11 August: OCI President Pat Hickey says there was “no impropriety whatsoever from anyone in the OCI or myself in the dealing of tickets”.
Friday, 12 August: Pro10, the company contracted to resell the OCI’s tickets, says that Mallon was distributing tickets to clients on their behalf. Pro10 says it did not have a representative in Rio.
Sunday, 14 August: Sports Minister Shane Ross flies to Rio to watch the games and meet with Hickey.
Monday, 15 August: Ross says he is “absolutely stunned” by the OCI’s decision not to accept independent members onto its inquiry. Later, a Brazilian judge orders the arrest of a second Irishman in the investigation, along with THG directors.
Tuesday, 16 August: Ross says he hasn’t given up on reaching a deal with the OCI, but a meeting between himself and Hickey is reported to have gone poorly.
Wednesday, 17 August: Pat Hickey is arrested in a Rio hotel. He faces three charges; facilitating ticket touting, forming a cartel and illicit marketing, which is a specific law for the Olympic Games. Footage shows Hickey was naked answering the door to police and was taken wearing just a bathrobe. Police release a case file showing an email where Hickey is advised to “put Ross back in his box”. The arrests of three Pro10 staff are also ordered.
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