Olympic official Patrick Hickey 'stands down temporarily' following arrest

Olympic official Patrick Hickey has reportedly left his post temporarily following his arrest in connection with reselling Rio 2016 tickets.

The executive, who is the Olympic council of Ireland president, has stepped aside from his duties while he faces the allegations, according to Sky Sports News.

Hickey was arrested over accusations that he was connected to a scheme to illegally sell tickets for high prices.

The authorities are said to have seized more than 1,000 illegitimate Rio 2016 tickets believed to have been provided by THG Sports, who were accused of running a similar scam during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Hickey has been on the IOC executive board since 2012.