UK man freed amid Brazil ticket probe

A senior executive with the official World Cup corporate hospitality provider who is suspected of involvement with a ticket-resale ring has been released.

Ray Whelan, of Match Services, was arrested yesterday at the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, the hotel used by Fifa officials during the World Cup.

Police have described him as the “facilitator” who allowed a large ring of touts to have access to tickets.

His lawyer Fernando Fernandes told reporters his arrest was “illegal and absurd”.

Match said in a statement that it has complete confidence in Mr Whelan’s innocence. “Match have complete faith that the facts will establish that he has not violated any laws,” it said.

He will not be allowed to leave Brazil.