Patrick Hickey resigns from International Olympic Committee
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 10/09/17 3:08pm
Patrick Hickey has resigned from his position on the International Olympic Committee's executive board.
The Irishman was arrested during last year's Rio Olympics in a ticket touting investigation, but denies any wrongdoing. The IOC said his intention in resigning was to "protect" the organisation.
A statement posted by the IOC on its official Twitter account read: "Mr Patrick Hickey has informed the IOC of his resignation as a member of the IOC executive board 'with immediate effect'.
"Mr Hickey had been elected by the IOC session with a view to representing the interests of the National Olympic Committees. This now vacant post will be filled by election during the forthcoming IOC session in Lima.
"In his resignation letter, Mr Hickey emphasises that he wants to protect the IOC and to ensure that the interests of the National Olympic Committees are represented on the executive board.
"He also reiterated his innocence in respect of all charges and confirmed that he hopes to exercise his functions as an IOC member in the future.
"Mr Hickey's self-suspension from all other IOC functions, which was confirmed by the IOC executive board in 2016, remains in place. However, the IOC reiterates that the presumption of innocence prevails."
