Irish Olympics chief temporarily stands down amid Rio tickets probe
The head of the European Olympic Committees, Irishman Patrick Hickey, has stood down temporarily after being arrested in Brazil as part of an investigation into the alleged illegal sale of tickets for the Rio Games.
ITV News Correspondent John Ray reports:
The 71-year-old sports chief was detained at a hotel in the Barra da Tijuca area of the city and taken him to hospital amid concerns for his health.
The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) confirmed Mr Hickey had stood down from his roles temporarily and later said William O'Brien will lead the OCI in his absence.
Mr Hickey also held the roles of IOC member in Ireland, European Olympic Committee President and Association of National Olympic Committees Vice President.
The investigation centres on the sale of more than 800 tickets to the Games, including more than 20 which police said were intended for use by Ireland's Olympics officials.
Mr Hickey, who is being supported by Irish diplomats in Brazil, previously denied any wrongdoing in the OCI's role in securing or using an authorised ticket reseller for the Games.