(ATR) Patrick Hickey has confirmed his return to Ireland.
A statement from Hickey says he is in Ireland seeking medical treatment after making bail from his arrest in Brazil. Hickey left Rio de Janeiro on Dec.14 for the first time since arriving for the 2016 IOC Session ahead of the Rio Olympics.
Last month, a Rio State judge ruled that Hickey’s passport could be returned on the condition of paying $439,000 in bail and signing documents agreeing to cooperate with an upcoming trial.
Rio State prosecutor Marcos Kac told Around the Rings Hickey’s trial will most likely happen early next year.Hickey was charged with ticket touting, forming a cartel, and illegally marketing the Rio 2016 Olympics by Brazilian authorities. If convicted he faces up to seven years in prison.
In the statement Hickey says he is "totally innocent of all charges against [him]," and will do "everything possible to clear [his] name."
"It has been an extremely traumatic few months for myself and my family," Hickey’s statement said. "I am very grateful to the International Association of National Olympic Committees for so generously putting up the necessary funding to secure my release for my return to Ireland.
"I am delighted to be home and to be able to spend Christmas with my family – my wife, Sylviane, my four children, my five grandchildren and hopefully the safe arrival of two more grandchildren in January."
Hickey said he would not be commenting further, "until the appropriate time."
An IOC spokesperson told ATR the organization is pleased that Hickey’s release from Brazil to seek medical treatment. The spokesperson would not comment on any next steps the IOC would take to return Hickey into the fold of the Olympic family.
After his arrest in August, Hickey voluntarily stepped aside from his Olympic family roles. This included his presidency of the Olympic Council of Ireland, his IOC membership, in addition to his vice president positions in ANOC and the IOC.
"As you know, Mr. Hickey has suspended himself from all his functions," an IOC spokesperson said. "We are happy that he has been released and that he can now spend Christmas with his family and receive the necessary medical treatments."
Written by Aaron Bauer
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