OCI says it won’t contribute to Hickey’s Brazil bail bond

The Olympic Council of Ireland has categorically ruled out making any contribution to a bail bond that its president Pat Hickey is required to pay as a condition of being allowed to leave Brazil.

Mr Hickey, who is facing charges relating to alleged ticket touting during the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, has been given permission to return to Ireland on health grounds by Brazil’s special court for supporters and large events.

Denying all allegations against him, he had been released from custody in August. Brazilian authorities retained his passport and the 71-year-old stepped aside from his Olympic duties until the conclusion into the investigation.