Cian O’Connor faces four-man disciplinary panel

The hearing into whether Irish showjumper Cian O'Connor can keep his Olympic gold medal is underway in Zurich.

Mr O'Connor was not present during the opening session, but it is expected that he will arrive in the next few hours.

It is believed that the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) will reveal its decision later today.

O’Connor's horse Waterford Crystal tested positive for banned substances last year after they had won the top prize in their event in Athens.

It is expected that the four-man disciplinary panel will strip him of the medal but O’Connor has always protested his innocence and may appeal any such decision to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Among the developments in the case was the theft of the B urine sample in transit from France to Britain, creating an issue over whether a B blood sample can be used to confirm an A urine sample result. Documents relating to the rider were also stolen from the Irish equestrian federation’s headquarters.

Another of O’Connor’s horses, ABC Landliebe, also tested positive for banned substances last year.