Pat Hickey is facing an extended period in jail if convicted of all the charges levied against him.
The former boss of the Olympic Committee of Ireland is accused of facilitating ticket touting and forming a cartel, among other charges. If convicted, he could spend up to seven years in prison.
Mr. Hickey was arrested in a hotel in Rio earlier today, and it is understood that his passport has been seized. He reportedly took ill during his arrest and had to be brought to hospital as a precaution.
The OCI released a statement this evening, saying “In light of this morning’s developments and his ill health, Mr Hickey has taken the decision to step aside temporarily as President of the OCI and all other Olympic functions (IOC member in Ireland, EOC President, ANOC Vice President) until this matter is fully resolved.”
The episode has cast a shameful shadow over the Irish Olympics team, who are doing their best to represent their country.