Pat Hickey gets European Olympics chief’s backing to return home

Leading figures in the European Olympic movement have said there is no proof of the “horrible accusations” against former Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey and have called for him to be allowed to return to Ireland.

Mr Hickey has been forced to stay in Brazil since he was arrested on August 17, during the Rio Olympics, on charges allegedly related to ticket touting.

While freed from prison, he is not allowed to leave the South American country.