Rio 2016: OCI to cooperate with ticket probe

The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) says it will "cooperate fully" with any state inquiry into ticket sales for the Rio Olympics.

On Tuesday, an arrest warrant was issued for OCI and European Olympic Committee president Patrick Hickey over allegations he passed on tickets for the Games to be sold on at inflated prices.

Hickey, who denies the allegations, temporarily stepped aside from his official functions while an investigation is carried out, and was taken to hospital after falling ill before being discharged on Thursday.

It was reported in the Brazilian media that Hickey's arrest is in connection with that of countryman Kevin Mallon, who is alleged to have passed OCI tickets to THG Sports. Mallon is a director of the company.

Irish Sports Minister Shane Ross stated that an independent inquiry may be set up to probe the scandal, and the OCI - who are to commission their own independent inquiry - stated it will assist the government.

"The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) confirms that it will cooperate fully with any State inquiry into its handling of ticketing arrangements for the Rio Olympics," an OCI statement read.

"The OCI will now also commission its own independent inquiry into the ticketing arrangements for Rio 2016. The previously announced internal inquiry by the OCI has been discontinued."