Olympic Council Of Ireland Reveals Costs Of Rio Ticketing Controversy

The "fall out from the arrest" of former Olympic Council of Ireland President Pat Hickey has cost the OCI €628,000 ($667,300) to date, the "embattled" organization's extraordinary general meeting heard, according to Shane Phelan of the IRISH INDEPENDENT. The meeting, at Dublin's Conrad Hotel, also heard tributes being paid to Hickey, who is facing "ticket touting charges in Brazil." Delegates from 36 sporting federations met Thursday to elect Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane as Hickey's successor, the first new OCI president in 28 years. Treasurer Billy Kennedy said that law firm Arthur Cox had been paid €394,000 ($418,700) for "legal advice in the wake of the controversy over his arrest." Consultants Grant Thornton have been paid €214,900 ($228,400), while a report on "corporate governance" from Deloitte cost €18,500 ($19,700). Public relations costs "stemming from the OCI’s use of The Communications Clinic" amounted to €69,500 ($73,900) (IRISH INDEPENDENT, 2/9).