Pat Hickey, Olympic Council of Ireland

“We met a situation where a body that is supported by the taxpayer is now refusing to let representatives of that taxpayer to be part of this inquiry. It is something I take extremely seriously and the mood was very, very sombre indeed.

“It is a terrible spectacle and I think the OCI simply has its head in the sand over this issue…I think they feel somehow they are above accountability to the Irish people and to the government and that situation cannot be allowed to continue.”

Minister for Sport Shane Ross following a meeting with Pat Hickey in Rio last night

“(Mr Ross and I) had a great exchange of views. I’m restrained with what I can say because (I received) senior council’s opinion two days ago, which is that while there is an Irish citizen in jail that we have to be extremely careful in what we disclose.

He is innocent until proven guilty and anything we can say in disclosing would be prejudicial to a fair trial so we can do nothing until this trial has finished its natural course.”

Statement from Pat Hickey

Shane Ross and Pat Hickey hold ‘tense, frank’ meeting over tickets (Tom Hennigan, Irish Times)

Ticket row deepens as Pat Hickey refuses to answer Shane Ross’s questions in Rio (Independent.ie)

Pic: IOC